Posts Tagged ‘wba’

Albion Support Chile Earthquake Appeal

West Bromwich Albion are again jumping to support of another disaster with their shirt sponsorship deals. The home game tommorrow against the Owls will see the Baggies players sporting the “Help Chile” loga along with the British Red Cross website address. A very likely scenario it was too, especially when you remeber that the Albion have 1 Chilean player on their books in the name of Gonzalo Jara who was recuperating from injury back jome in Chile when the quake struck.

The Albion are urging fans to also make donations via the Red Cross site.

Jara, injured and out for the season with a broken metatarsal, was in Santiago when the massive earthquake, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, struck his homeland nine days ago. He joined the Baggies from Chilean club Colo Colo last August, when the quake struck he had to evacuate his wife and children from their flat to a nearby park.

Albion are now throwing their weight behind the work of the British Red Cross, which is working hand in hand with the Chilean Red Cross to provide relief to the disaster-struck country.

Having successfully raised awareness of, and funds for, the DEC’S Haiti Appeal by adding supportive logos to the players’ shirts at Newcastle in January, Albion have now donated the same advertising space to the Chilean aid effort.

All 18 shirts used for tommorows match will be auctioned of by the club on their website, with all proceeds going, at Jara’s request, directly to Talcahuano, where the military have been called in to help stricken locals.

Jara has also played his part in helping his fellow countrymen by appearing on a 24-hour fundraising Telethon on national TV in Chile.

“When we heard about the earthquake, we were greatly concerned about the well being of Gonzalo and his family and were relieved to hear they are safe,” said Albion Chairman Jeremy Peace.

“The fact one of our own players is at the scene of the earthquake and that his close family has been affected by it has brought this tragedy closer to home – and we wanted to play our part in raising funds for the aid effort.

“We have again decided to utilise the flexible nature of our shirt sponsorship, which we hope will encourage people to support the work of the Red Cross in the region.

“Gonzalo has also asked the Club to pledge any funds raised to the relief work being undertaken in his home city of Talcahuano, which we are only too happy to do.”

Caroline Leighton, Red Cross operations director for Staffordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands, said: “We are grateful to West Bromwich Albion for highlighting our appeal as help is still desperately needed in Chile.

“We have already released £50,000 from our Disaster Fund to help with the initial response, but more will be needed as the true extent of the disaster becomes clear.

“Just £30 could buy hygiene kits for ten people and £10 could buy five jerry cans for storing and carrying water.

“Donations of any amount will make a difference so thanks, in advance, to the supporters for their help.”

Albion raised £25,000 for the DEC Haiti Appeal via a similar shirt auction and Club donation in January.

The Red Cross is assisting the people of Chile with search and rescue and medical assistance plus basic amenities like water, sanitation and shelter – but the needs are great.

The Chilean Red Cross is working on the ground in partnership with emergency services, carrying out search and rescue operations and damage assessments, and giving medical assistance where necessary.

To make a donation visit: redcross.org.uk, call 0845 054 7201 or send a cheque, made payable to the British Red Cross, to: Chile Earthquake Appeal, British Red Cross, 44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL.

Do Newcastle Want Koumas Just To Spite The Baggies?

Jason Koumas is apparently subject of a battle between at least Albion and Newcastle for his loan services. Albion have been working very hard to bring in some loan cover and it has been heavily catalogued that Jason Koumas was top of the list. Now it seems that just as the day arrives that would be perfect for season end loans and the Albion are likely to try to finalise a deal, Newcastle suddenly appear trying to gazump them.

Could they simply be after Koumas to save him from going to the Albion? Do they really need his services? With Koumas in the ranks, the Albion could easily expect to finish the run in on great form, are Newcastle scared that this would be enough to land Albion the title?

The Baggies seem to have struggled up to now to get anywhere with premiership clubs in the race to bolster an injury riddled team. It is looking more and more unlikely that the Albion will secure any loan player services in time for the trip to Ashton Gate.

Koumas is certainly available, Latics boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed that they will listen to any offers.

Victor Moses was the last player that Newcastle and Albion fought to sign, they both lost out the, who will win this time? Does Koumas really want to make the move to either anyway? There have been no comments from him on either team, or even a loan move in general.

Defence is another section of the pitch that Albion are struggling in, perhaps the struggle for loan signings may head this direction now too. Giles Barnes is getting closer to full fitness and Jerome Thomas has just 2 games of suspension left, so midfield will hopefully be the least weaker position within a week.

In the opposite direction, Marcus Haber has gone out on loan to League One Exeter for an initial month’s loan.

The 21 yr old striker who signed from Vancouver Whitecaps last month, will most probably make his debut in the Grecians’ home game against Stockport on Saturday.

Watch the Albion for free

Second in the table and just 2 points behind Derby County, Albion reserves are flying high.

Next Wednesdays game has been dedicated a free admission fixture.

You can watch the reserves for free when the host Port Vale reserves on Wednesday, February 17.

Free entry is limited to the West Stand, Block C

Eager Nouble may start tonight against the Iron

Frank Nouble has today spoken about his hope for the future and how he thinks he could help out tonight. Although a striker he has confirmed himself as a potential replacement for the suspended Jerome Thomas against Scunthorpe.

He said: “I just want to play in an attacking role, be it left wing, right wing or up front, I am here to gain some experience and help the team.”

The 18-year-old finalised his initial 28 day loan from West Ham earlier today and in time to face Scunthorpe at the Hawthorns tonight.

Continuing, Nouble said:

“I am very excited. I watch some of the games on TV and some of the teams like West Brom are big teams, so I want to see how I do at this level.

“I made my debut at 17 recently. I have just turned 18 and I want to get as much experience as I can in any league, be it the Championship or Premier League.”

The youngster’s arrival from Upton Park gives Roberto Di Matteo extra options in the quest for a replacement for Thomas, who begins his four match ban tonight.

Nouble agreed that Di Matteo’s friendship with West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola played a big part in securing the move.

He said: “Gianfranco Zola and the manager here are close friends, so it was easy for them to talk about me. I think Roberto Di Matteo definitely listened to what he said and I think he is happy I have come here.

“The manager here has Chelsea links and was a terrific player when at Chelsea with Gianfranco Zola.”

Albion first team coach Michael Appleton has also spoken about Nouble: “Frank is really strong and aggressive and he will give us an outlet sometimes when we need that, especially when teams are trying to frustrate us.

“He is versatile and can play in different positions, which is good for us. There may be times when we want to use him in the centre but he has played a lot of football lately in wider areas so I think we’ll look to use him in both areas of the pitch as and when we need to.”

So, with Thomas out and Nouble fresh whilst other players are suffering from the rigours of 4 games in 10 days, added to the fact that he cannot play Saturday at Reading due to being cup tied, it is very likely that he will start tonight.

Albion really do need to make changes quite often at the moment anyway, as by next Tuesday at 10 pm they will have played 5 games in 13 days, a ridiculous amount in such a short period.

Blackpool West Bromwich Albion Preview.

West Brom have the chance to get back in to the automatic promotion places tonight when making the long trip up the M6 to Blackpool.

Blackpool are looking towards the play offs and in seventh place will be no pushovers, however, Roberto Di Matteo’s Baggies have a game in hand on Nottingham Forest and a win at Bloomfield Road will see them move up above them.

Albion new boy, Andy Slory is available for the Baggies to pick, however, the Dutchman is highly unlikely to be offered more than a place on the bench. The winger signed for Albion from Feyenoord Monday, however, due to Hollands winter football break, Slory has not played competitive football since bChristmas and cannot possibly be match fit.

Roberto Di Matteo will be reluctant to make any changesanyway as Saturday’s impressive display in the 3-1 home victory over Sheffield United shows little need to do so.

Joe Mattock has been missing from training due to illness, however, Marek Cech is playing in the position very well so there is little chance he will get on the starting team sheet.

The Baggies have no other issues with injury or sickness apart from the long term Chris Brunt injury.

Albion first played Blackpool on October 26, 1901, in Old Division Two. The game at Bloomfield Road ended in a 2-2 draw with Dan Nurse and Charlie ‘Chippy’ Simmons scoring for the visitors. When the Seasiders paid a visit to The Hawthorns later that season, on February 22, they were thrashed 7-2. Jackie Kifford and Jim Stevenson bagged a goal apiece, Tommy Worton scored a brace and ‘Chippy’ Simmons notched a hat-trick.

Albion’s biggest ever win over Blackpool was a 7-1 drubbing on April 28, 1962, which came in the final game of the season. Derek Kevan scored four times, with Graham Lovett, the late Sir Bobby Robson and Don Howe (pen) also scoring. Howe was voted Midlands Footballer of the Year.

Albion’s last visit to Bloomfield Road saw them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in dramatic fashion as a double from substitute Kevin Phillips and an Ishmael Miller strike – all in the last nine minutes – overturned Ben Burgess’ 35th-minute opener.

Di Matteo dismisses Cech rumours

According to the official club site, Roberto Di Matteo has dismissed claims that Marek Cech is on his way out of the Hawthorns. He has also stressed that he will be reporting Cech’s French agent to UEFA as what he has done is obviously wrong and against the rules.

Cech who played at St James Park on Monday night has also got 14 Championship games under his belt this season and seems very much part of Di Matteo’s plans.

The rumour circulated by the French agent was that the Slovakian international was set to join French top-flight outfit Rennes. Albion and Di Matteo claim this is complete fabrication and that they have had no contact with Rennes whatsoever.

Also today, Di Matteo is reportedly still looking to bolster the squad sooner rather than later. The fact that International loans are not allowed after the end of the January transfer window seems to suggest that incoming loans will be international rather than domestic loans, which are available all season. It is unlikely that any money will be spent now, so loans are very much on the agenda.

Albion Newcastle report

Peter Lovenkrands dedicated the goal which keeps Newcastle on track for promotion to his late father after he capped an emotionally draining week.

The former Rangers striker was expected to miss Monday night’s clash with third-placed West Bromwich following his father’s death in Denmark. But he made a surprise return and scored the second equaliser – his fourth goal in a week – to earn a point.

Lovenkrands, who scored an FA Cup hat-trick against Plymouth last Wednesday, looked to the heavens and fought back the tears as he celebrated his third league goal of the season in the 54th minute.
He said: ‘It is a bit surreal. It is still emotional but I am just so pleased we got a point and I got a goal for my dad. It means a lot. I dedicated that goal to my father. It was a very difficult decision to play but my dad was a very big football fan and he would have wanted me to do this and I didn’t want to let him down. I felt I wanted to do it for him.’

Manager Chris Hughton, whose side remain six points ahead of Albion and three ahead of Nottingham Forest with a game in hand, said: ‘Lovenkrands deserves immense credit. We left the decision up to him. We are very much behind him and his family but he wanted to play and for him to get a goal – the equalising goal at that -shows great credit to him and also shows the spirit we have here.’

Roberto Di Matteo’s Albion side twice took the lead at St James’ Park, where Newcastle remain unbeaten this season, and they looked on the verge of their first victory there for more than 30 years until Lovenkrands’ second-half strike.

In a full-blooded and thoroughly entertaining scrap between two of the sides relegated last season, West Bromwich took the lead through Jonas Olsson after 14 minutes when he was allowed to touch home a cross from the excellent Graeme Dorrans past Steve Harper.

Danny Guthrie cancelled that out 11 minutes later, placing a delightful free-kick over Yousuff Mulumbu in Scott Carson’s wall after the Rwanda midfielder had brought down Shola Ameobi. But a mere 32 seconds into the second half Roman Bednar put the visitors back in front with another simple goal.

Fabricio Coloccini, the rock on whom Newcastle’s Championship charge has been based, was most at fault after he failed to deal with another cross from the lively Dorrans.

Bednar rose comfortably above Coloccini to head at Harper, who touched the first effort on to the bar with his legs, only for Bednar to nonchalantly nod the ball over the supine keeper.

Read more:at the Mail

Albion DEC Haiti support

ALBION will show support for the earthquake aid effort by wearing ‘DEC Haiti Appeal’ logos on their shirts during Monday’s top-of-the-table clash at Newcastle (ko 7.45pm).

The sponsorship will also feature details of DEC the Disasters Emergency Committee’s website address, www.dec.org.uk, where donations can be made.

Over 2.2million people live in the most affected areas in Port-au-Prince where thousands are feared dead, many more injured or buried under rubble – and the DEC urgently needs support.

Albion can support DEC’s aid work thanks to the match-by-match shirt sponsorship deals they are offering to businesses and organisations because of the lack of a permanent sponsor.

Deals with online betting companies Blue Square and Victor Chandler have been the only 2 deals so far, however, many more are due this season, raising around £10,000 a time.

Tomorrow’s St James’ Park clash on Sky Sports would have easily found a sponsor, however, in the wake of this week’s disaster, the Club felt it would be fitting to donate the advertising space on the front of their shirts to support the DEC’s effort.

Albion will again auction off the 18 shirts worn by the squad against Newcastle in aid of the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal, the club have also promised a donation too.

Quoting Jeremy Peace from the clubs website:

“Everyone at the Club has been saddened by the terrible tragedy unfolding in Haiti,” said Peace.

“We are hoping the fact our players will be wearing the appeal logo in front of a national TV audience will make even more people aware of how they can donate money to the aid effort.”

Donations to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal can be made online at www.dec.org.uk

To make a postal donation, make cheques payable to ‘DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal’ and mail to ‘PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA’.

Donations can also be made at any high street bank, or at a Post Office, by quoting Freepay 1449.

Text ‘GIVE’ to 70077 to donate £5 to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal (£5 goes to the DEC. You pay £5 plus the standard network SMS rate).

The DEC launches and co-ordinates national fundraising appeals for public donations on behalf of its member agencies.

The DEC consists of: Action Aid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision.