So goodbye summer, hello football season.

Okay, not quite, but you get the drift.

Albion fans won't be seeing much of the Halfords Lane stand due to something or other about a floor company going to the wall.

Not so much the press. While the fans relocate elsewhere my colleagues and I shall be climbing over bits of unfinished building work, crumbling masonary and, given the financial woes of a well-known floor firm, skipping over the holes in the floor. Rumour has it we won't be getting press passes on entry, but hard hats. To be honest it's probably looking quite classy. Time will tell. Frankly, nothing would amaze me.

Which brings me onto transfers, which are often conducted in a parallel universe.

Are Albion close to signing anyone else? Well, let's consider the following.

Abdoulaye Meite has been given the guided tour, chatted about money, jogged around for a bit and had his bits and bobs scanned to make sure that nothing was pointing the wrong way. Will he sign? It's looking good and, I'm told by people close to him, that he favours a move to Albion. But then I heard that about Madjid Bougherra...

Then there's Zheng Zhi. A rogue website was claiming Albion's offer for the Charlton man had been rejected. That's in correct. Fact is that, as of 8pm tonight, nothing had been rejected or accepted. Talks are continuing. No rush. He's too busy gasping for air in his homeland.

How about Rafik Djebbour? Well that's a possible. This would be a loan deal. Maybe a trial first. We shall see. Stoke want him too. But then Stoke want everyone.

And talks to bring James Collins to B71 are also continuing. This one's a bit complicated. For starters Collins is recovering from a major knee injury. And then there's growing issues developing behind the scenes at Upton Park. Alan Curbishley is saying one thing, the owners are saying something else and you get the feeling West Ham isn't the happiest gaff in the East End. Mind you the Hammers have recently brought in centre-halves so don't be surprised to see Albion agree a loan deal there at some stage.

However, since you started reading this blog, something somewhere would have changed. A player may have signed a contract or might have jumped into his car to go elsewhere or even failed a medical.

Like I say, nothing surprises me these days.

In the meantime I'm off to find some industrial boots ready for tomorrow's visit to the Halfords Lane. That's Halfords Lane Stand, as in definitely not the West Stand.

THERE are some things which derail your train of thought and leave you stunned.

It happened to me a few weeks ago before Albion's pre-season friendly at Ipswich when a press colleague, and close friend of Sir Bobby Robson's, mentioned how unwell the ex-England boss had become.

It knocked me for six, not least because Sir Bobby remains one of the great servants of English football but also because, for people of my age, he was the man who led England oh so close to winning the World Cup. And, to be quite honest, I didn't realise just how unwell he really was.

You see, if like me, you're in your 30s then the chances are that Italia 90 will be the most memorable and iconic World Cup you'll have ever seen. England's performances during that World Cup helped to establish a Year Zero for football following years of hooliganism and stadium tragedies. England's success, orchestrated by Sir Bobby and helped on by Gazza's tears, went against the general Thatcherite view that football was a declining sport, played by thugs and watched by neanderthals. After Italia 90 football started with a clean slate.

I've had the privilege of interviewing Sir Bobby twice. Once over the phone, before Albion's Premier League clash against Newcastle during 2002/03 and then, face to face, at last year's BBC Sports Review of the Year when he was given an emotional standing ovation after being recognised for his services to football.

Both times he was a gentleman.

In the press area afterwards it was clear to see how endearing and warm he is. While some of his fellow awards' winners shunned the media or kept them waiting, Sir Bobby came out and spoke to the written, radio and TV press. The fact that he was so obviously poorly and weak wasn't an issue. The fact that we were representing an industry which, at times, treated him so disgracefully during his England reign, was not a problem.

He spoke for about half an hour and probably would have done so for longer had he not been in demand elsewhere. Sir Bobby was witty, thoughtful and spoke with intelligence.

Among the questions included one about his time with Albion as a player during the late 1950s.
"One of the happiest times of my life," came the reply. That's some statement to make for a man who led Ipswich to the FA Cup, almost won the World Cup with England, managed his beloved Newcastle and won trophies galore with some of the biggest clubs in Holland, Spain and Portugal.

I've never met a person who has a bad word to say about Sir Bobby.
And just to underline how well-thought of Sir Bobby is by the footballing fraternity, I've attached two tales below from Albion fans.

The first is from Terry Wills, who has supported Albion for 68 years, the second taken from a football message board.

Terry revealed that years ago he persuaded the then young Baggies wing-half to manage his Sunday League side, Albion Nomads.
Robson steered the team of West Brom supporters to cup success in just 12 games in charge.
Terry said: "In the match day Newcastle Programme he asked the question if anyone could name the first team he managed?
"No it wasn't Fulham, Ipswich, Barcelona, Newcastle or PSV Eindhoven it was Albion Nomads!.
"He finished his programme notes by thanking me for giving him his first coaching job in football!
"Subsequently we met up again when Albion played United at the Hawthorns. We enjoyed swapping reminiscences, i showed him my Cup winning Medal, and now have a 'lovely' souvenir photograph with him wearing a traditional smile, and me reciprocating wearing my Baggies Shirt.
"A few days later i received a personal letter from Sir Bobby enclosing the medal, inadvertently left with him, stating, quote 'it was great to see you again after all these years. The atmosphere at the match was terrific-what wonderful supporters. The club as it stands is a Premiership Club and deserves to be back there.'"

The second tale was posted on fans' forum, www.wbaunofficial.com, who have kindly given me permission to reproduce the message, left by a young fan (known as 'mind_the_gap_please)
The poster said: "I was fortunate enough to meet Sir Bobby and interview him a couple of years ago, and he was a footballing man through and through.
"When other, less well-known managers and footballing persons spurned my questions and gave the excuses of being too busy, Sir Bobby invited me into his office and told all these so called busy managers to wait for him, he was just happy to speak to someone else who shared his love for the game.
"That day inspired the one ever lasting memory I'll have of Sir Bobby; McClaren was just about to be appointed and I asked him 'of the record Mr Robson, sorry Bobby... who do you want to see appointed as England boss?' to which he gave the token smile and replied 'Ah young man, The Sun are giving me 50-grand to tell them that tomorrow... what chance have you got of getting it out of me for free?' and with that he chuckled and walked away."

This is why Sir Bobby Robson has become an institution in English football.

I have suddenly realised that I really don't envy my colleague Bill Howell.

For the last few months our esteemed Villa reporter has had the tedious task of reporting everything on Gareth Barry's on-off-on-off-on-off-doesanyonecareanymore transfer saga.

Albion are now involved in their own.

Abdoulaye Meite is an Ivory Coast defender who has fallen out with his Bolton manager Gary Megson.

As a result he has as much of future at the Reebok as Gordon Brown would have at No10 if it was left to some of his backbenchers.

Albion wouldn't mind signing Meite but Bolton don't want to let him go cheap.

And then there's the small matter of Megson and his less-than-cordial relationship with Albion chairman Jeremy Peace.

Two bids from Albion have been rejected by Bolton. One for £1.2million which Tony Mowbray claimed to know nothing about (leaked by Bolton) and another for £1.5million.

Now Bolton have come back and suggested that they may be willing to take an Albion player. No names mentioned officially, but Jon Greening and Paul Robinson have been suggested.

When names are generally mentioned they are usually unattributed to quotes of any sort (unless you're Hull's Phil Brown and you insist on revealing all your transfer targets...).

But football and journalism works in the following way - a manager is asked about a transfer. He replies giving certain information to give the reporter a story. But only certain bits. Sometimes nothing at all. Sometimes enough to feed into a story.

Once the microphones, tapes and notepads have been removed or switched off, the manager may then pass on the juicy bits, if he gets the opportunity to do so. He tells the reporters who the players are, or confirms the names which are put to him. Sometimes there is a motive involved, perhaps to speed up a deal or put pressure on another club or chairman. It could be for any reason - the manager may simply be willing to volunteer the information. The names are to be written 'in your own words' or, if you put the name to them, you get the reply along the lines of 'I can't possibly comment but you wouldn't look silly if you wrote that...'

Many work like this on a regular basis - it's a common practice between footballing people and the press.

I'm taking a guess, but I reckon Gary Megson did exactly that. Why do I say that? Because he did it enough times when he was at Albion. Maybe he hasn't at all, I don't know, but he often did when he was at Albion so I wouldn't be surprised.

In any case, as a result of all of the stories you read on Saturday morning, Tony Mowbray was bemused to find himself answering questions about the future of two of his players at today's post-match press conference.

Jono is going nowhere. He has blossomed at Albion, Mowbray likes him, the feeling is mutual. He's the club captain. And the fact Mowbray answered the question with a burst of laughter says it all.

Likewise Robinson, although that one is more feasible for all the obvious reasons about his contractual situation. That too was knocked back by Mowbray.

'Is the deal dead Tony,' asked one journalist.

The answer was that yes it was.

Read into that what you will. I'm not so sure.

Put it this way, I can't see Albion returning with an offer anytime soon. However, if Bolton were to pick up the phone, then...

But, right now, this deal has never looked more 'off' since it first started to roll.

And that's a shame because the deal would suit all concerned. It would give Bolton some fresh funds and rid them of a player who has no future, it would also provide Albion with a new centre-half and, of course, offer a chance for Meite to resume his career.

There is no need for all of this nonsense.

So, come on gents, let's all be grown up and start again, eh?

In my seven years covering Albion I've seen two managers leave and many players depart, with others arriving.

Some I've been glad to see the back of, some I was sorry to see leave. Some I am in touch with, others I'd cross the road to avoid.

Yet one man's recent departure will leave a huge void.

You may not even know of him unless you read his programme notes or have met him.

Reverend Ken Hipkiss was Albion's Chaplain. This meant a bit more than singing 'The Lord's My Shepherd' in the centre circle.

Ken was an occasional fixture at the training ground and a regular at matches. Most of the time you didn't know he was there. That, in many ways, was the whole point. You weren't meant to.

Yet he was a crucial servant to the club, from a spiritual and emotional point of view.

Players live in an era of fat salaries, fast cars and glamourous lifestyles. Yet the need for pastoral care should never be underestimated.

It might be a player being sent off or suffering a major injury. Once that player leaves the pitch he is put to the back of our subconscious mind. The other players get on with the game, the coaching staff are busy making tactical decisions, the fans keep supporting the team, the media continue to report on the game. One man has other concerns.

While the match continues, he will be shuffling out of his seat in the stand to venture down into the tunnel to lend an ear or offer a little comfort. Perhaps it will be welcome, perhaps not - at least the players concerned have that reassuring option. While life goes on for the rest of us, one man is busy making sure the player is okay. While you're celebrating a goal you'll be oblivious to this. While I file 800 words I won't even give it another thought.

Yet it's one man's job. By job, I mean his voluntary sense of duty. He doesn't even get paid for it.

I have witnessed, or know of, players who have been affected by a range of issues. Some have had major personal problems, some have endured marital or family issues, others have had health or emotional concerns which no amount of money or fan adulation can remedy. Some have had to deal with tragedies or traumas you or I would simply not be able to comprehend.

Ninety per cent of these remain filed away, out of view. It's the things we don't see. It's the issues we don't know about.

Yet, in all those times, one man has been there for those players regardless of their religious beliefs or otherwise.

While the players may be heroes to the fans, he has often been a 'welcome' hero to the players.

Not any more.

Ken Hipkiss' services are no longer being required by Albion - shamefully, with no real explanation being given - and that represents a shift away from the core of the club's community.

It's difficult to see the reasoning behind this decision or what good will possibly come out of it.

Ken's departure will be a big, big loss to the club.

Is it me, or does it all look a bit 1985/86 to you?

All it needs is a non-smoking sign and...

No, let's not even go there, otherwise I'll start getting worried about the prospect of seeing Garth Crooks sometime soon.

And, frankly, I'd rather not.

(I won't even mention the results)

Question is, Albion fans, do you prefer it with, or without, the sponsors?

It was Scott Carson day at the training ground today.

Modelling the new goalkeeping top, the new Baggies keeper was unveiled by the club following his move from Liverpool.

He made it clear he wants to resume his England career and wishes to make his Albion stay a long-term project. Reassuring words for Albion fans. At 22, Carson can only get better and will learn from his experiences.

Answering questions from press, TV and radio, it was reassuring to also see Scott steer away from being too critical of Villa for not pursuing him.

Carson could have put the knife into Martin O'Neill but he showed a dignified restraint.

After all, we all know that having a dig at local rivals is a cheap shot, usually executed by those who have an inferiority complex, a sense of insecurity and little else to say for themselves.

It comes down to class. Some people, like Scott, clearly have it.

Others simply don't.

FORMER Albion players Richard Sneekes and Darryl Burgess have set up a football summer roadshow.

The ex-Baggies duo, who played for the club during the late 1990s and early 2000s, have linked up with former Walsall promotion hero Chris Marsh.

The trio are running a series of different football courses around Birmingham and the Black Country to encourage children during the summer holidays.

The courses, open to children between the ages of four to 14, are open for boys and girls and cost £45 per week for one child, which includes a souvenir tee-shirt.

Next week's soccer school will be at Boldmere Falcons, Sheffield Road, Boldmere. They'll also be visiting West Bromwich, Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield.

For more information or to book a place call 0844 7794625 or visit the website, www.totalfootballuk.co.uk

If there had been something like this when I was 4-14, who knows where I'd be now...

While Albion were getting battered by Koln in some quaint German village stadium, watched by locals with moustaches and bad hair, the more serious side of football was already underway in deepest Leeds.

Boing FC, you may or may not know, are a team made up of Albion supporters. Coming from far and wide, the 20-man squad headed up to Worldnet 08, organised by the Internet Football Association.

And while Tony Mowbray's men slugged it out in Euskirchen, Boing FC were busy reaching the semi-final of the 64-team tournament held at the University of Leeds' Bodington Hall.

After a 0-0 draw against Rotherham - where, I'm told they had a good goal disallowed - the lads then battled out a 1-1 stalemate against Partick Thistle. This was followed by a narrow 1-0 win against Welling to finish top of their group.

Group of Death? Quite possibly.

In the knock-out stages they beat Castlerock (a semi-pro Irish side) 2-0, before dishing out a 1-0 battering through a golden goal, although by all accounts it should have been settled long before then.

Quarter-final opponents were Coventry City, who were seen off 1-0.

And then it all went a little wrong.

Sadly - and we must assume Mowbray doesn't suffer this problem - the excesses of Saturday night (footballers will be footballers), two players having to rush home, injuries and fatigue meant that the depleted Boing side were made to play semi-final opponents Preston immediately after a jaunt up a huge hill. Which is a bit harsh.

PNE were already warmed up and ready to kick-off by the time our lads completed their trek. Like I say, not a problem Mowbray necessarily had at Wembley.

They lost 4-1 to North End, who went onto lift the trophy.

Full credit to manager Richard Eades, captain Stuart Turner and leading scorer Ryan Trump (who also played in an England v Scotland game), as well solid centre-half Mark Currie and a goalkeeper called Knoxie, who, until the semi, had only conceded one goal.

A good effort, I'd say.

AND so we head home.

Albion's defeat to Koln might have looked bad but it wasn't the end of the world.

Okay so the defending had a touch of the Laurel and Hardy about it but the players were shattered after being given a 'good beasting' (the words of fitness coach Dan Harris) on Friday.

And it didn't help that the walk from the Euskirchen dressing rooms to the pitch took about 15 minutes.

The athletics stadium had that quaint feel to it that you only get in pre-season. On the one side we had what amounted to a 'main stand', while on the other we had park benches dotted around - I'm sure there was a tramp asleep on one of them - with vendors selling Bratwurst, a green mess which resembled battered cabbage and a lager/coke concoction, which looked as bad as it sounds and probably tasted worse.

Sadly, camp compere Georg van den Hoovel, who conducted the most surreal of press conferences at the previous game, was not present otherwise he could have defused matters when it all got a little nasty.

In their infinite wisdom the stewards placed rows of chairs on the running track for the two sets of coaching staff and players. Good idea.- until some bright spark forgot that it might rain.

And it did. So much so that the organisers wheeled out four huge umbrellas - the kind you get in 'smoking areas' of pubs - and plonked them in front of the main stand to keep both sets of coaches and subs dry.

Sadly this meant that only those of us with x-ray vision could see what was going on on the pitch. Matters weren't helped by the fact that the German press had already sneaked into a small media room, grabbing the last of the power points. (I could make a gag about Germans getting up early to claim the best seats by draping their lap top bags over the desks, but I won't)

However all wasn't well. Herr Angry from Koln was not happy. Seeing the umbrellas, our moustachioed friend stood up and shook his fist at the stewards in a pique of German anger I've not seen since Oz was upsetting the locals on the Dusseldorf building site in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

The umbrellas came down when the showers stopped. Which is just as well otherwise I would have had no idea what the score was.

This was all too much for a group of Albion fans who had clearly been sampling the Warsteiner in nearby Bier Kellers. Expecting the players to emerge from the tunnel, our friends from the Black Country had camera phones poised and ready to film the teams emerging. Which would have been a great idea had the players not already sneaked onto the pitch from behind one of the goals. It wa like being back at the old Wembley. And to top it all we were treated to a collection of Germany's finest stadium rock before the game.

Germans with bad hair and moustaches, stadium rock, the prospect of hooliganism - it was all too 1983 for my liking.

At the end fans invaded the pitch and Koln player Tobias Nickenig ended the game with a souvenir he probably didn't want.

After much back-slapping and signing of autographs,. Tobias walked back to the dressing room blissfully unaware that a mischievous Englishman had scrawled WBA on his back...

OUCH!

That'll be the slightly cleaner version of what Joe Corrigan said after he ended up with an egg on his head.

The goalkeeping coach took a blow to the head after dropping some kit - yes, even keepers drop things - in the hotel courtyard.

And, then, as he stood back up after picking it up and smashed his head against a gate...cue an outburst of finest anglo-saxon.

He wasn't the only one suffering today.

Albion players feasted on pizza, chips and Spag Bol last night and paid for it today.

Fitness coach Dan Harris made sure they burned every last drop off.

And he looked mightily pleased about it.

A hugely taxing morning session in the rain was followed by more torture in the afternoon, prompting Roman Bednar to tell Laurie Rampling to 'stop smiling' as the club photographer snapped away in amusement.

It clearly wasn't Roman's day. Not only was he panting away like a moustachioed German in a late-night Channel 5 movie but he also ended the day with red raw ears.

The footballers play a game where they form a circle and try to keep the ball in the air. If it bounces you lose a 'life'. Do it too often and you get your ears flicked by every player.

Very funny. Not for Roman though.

Elsewhere, Tony Mowbray was thrilled for other reasons as you could imagine.

Just under £4million for an England goalkeeper who was rated at double the price last year? Not bad business.

The Baggies boss clearly does a fine line in sarcasm too. At one point he popped his head around the hotel room door and asked 'any transfer news today lads?' ...before walking off, chuckling to himself.

While we're on the subject, one thing worth clearing up about Carson is this so-called buy-back option mentioned in some media this morning.

Well there isn't - because such clauses are not permitted by the FA. Something about it compromising fair play and being open to possible abuse I believe.

For now, it's off back over the border tomorrow for Albion's game against FC Koln, which we're told, apparently means Cologne in German.

But then what do I know? I always thought Cologne was something that old men receive every Christmas?