SO what have we learned this week?

- Victor Moses. Was close last Friday but once Wigan came in Albion's chances went. And it was that close. The Baggies' diligence and proactive dialogue with Palace and agent Tony Finnegan helped matters. The administrators would have had their heads turned by Albion's offer but as soon as a Premier League club emerged on Friday evening then it was over.

- Giles Barnes. It says a lot about the fickle nature of football that Barnes' free transfer to Albion barely registered. Three years ago he was the next big thing. Victor Moses, you have been warned. Injuries can reduce a player's status in a flash. Good luck to Giles, in the meantime. If he can get back to anywhere near the player he was then Albion's spot of business will be inspired.

- Andwele Slory likes to be called 'Andy'. Thank goodness. Putting him on for a half hour spell at Blackpool was a brave decision by Roberto Di Matteo. The pitch was awful - frozen in parts, muddy elsewhere... Yet the lad excelled. He went close with his first touch of the ball, seeing a long range shot saved, before a low shot just flashed wide when he was probably caught between a pass and a strike on goal. He's some way from full fitness though.

- Dart boards. We were waiting to interview Andwele Slory in the training ground classroom when Scott Carson burst in with one of the club's backroom staff. Clearly he was panicked. Luckily he found it. Scott 'The Dentist' Carson has introduced a dartboard to the club, for their away days. And, as captain, naturally he's the best. Joe 'Cake Slice' Mattock is reasonable and, according to Chris Brunt, the less said about Graham 'Loudmouth' Dorrans the better. Me thinks Brunty is just jealous as he's no longer on spot-kick duties. And, whatever you do, keep Jonas away from the oche.

- the M55/M6. Eleven different set of roadworks between Blackpool and just north of Birmingham. A two-hour journey becomes a three-hour one. Just once did I spot workmen actually doing any work.

- Albion are stopping up in Lancashire and flying down to the south-west coast ahead of their game at Plymouth. Let's hope they have more joy than they did when they were due to fly back from Newcastle a few Mondays ago. Thick fog forced the cancellation of their flight from Tyneside, forcing Albion players to travel back to Birmingham Airport. No problem there - at least there wouldn't be had it not been for the fact that the fog meant a slower-than-usual trek back to the Midlands, with the bus driver running out of 'time' and being forced to pull over when his allocated driving period was up. Not the journey Di Matteo had in mind. Let's hope the trip down to the south-west has fewer dramas.

Andwele Slory.

Yes, I wondered who he was too.

I knew Albion were looking for a wide player, knew he'd be coming from abroad. But this name was leftfield, even by Albion's standards.

A garbled phone message left by a Dutch contact called Eric this morning meant little - not least because it's pronounced differently in Holland. Different to the extent that it sounds nothing like the way you write it.

Then I realised who he meant - it was on all news wires in Holland. Feyenoord had tipped off their local media.

When it broke in England, along came the text messages...most asking 'who?'

Andwele Slory is a winger, Dutch and apparently the two clubs have agreed a fee.
Actually that's not quite right. Albion have agreed to take him on loan. He will, if he signs, stay at the club until the summer, when Albion will then have an option to buy.

He was at the training ground today and may well sign.

But this deal isn't done yet.

Albion will never admit this, but there may be a delay in this deal being signed off. It depends what happens with Victor Moses.

The Baggies traditionally 'top up' during the January window. Moses is an investment - his value will only rise. Albion know this.

And if Albion do buy Moses then there will be departures. One or two during this window, to redress some of the balance, others in the summer.

Albion have not yet formally bid - yes, I've seen what Tony Finnigan has said - but Palace and, more so P & A Partnership, know what the Baggies are willing to go to.
Dan Ashworth has been in regular contact.

I'm not saying for one moment that Albion will sign Moses. But, from speaking to people, they're a little more confident now that they were two or three days ago.

The position will obviously become clearer over the weekend - probably some time before Monday's 5pm deadline. Trouble is, you get the impression the Premier League clubs are already waiting. And monitoring.

One thing's for certain, if Slory does join then it means Moses will probably be going elsewhere.

Graham Dorrans isn't being particularly subtle right now.

On Monday in Newcastle, and for the the fourth or fifth time this season, a local journalist approached me and said - I won't write this in Geordie, but bear with me - 'That Dorrans is a canny lad. Best player I've seen here all season.'

I'd heard it before. In Sheffield, Middlesbrough, Scunthorpe....

Henry Winter, respected football writer who normally sticks to waxing lyrical about the Big Four/Five, was also at St James' Park. He asked, on his Twitter page, how Dorrans was still playing in the Championship. One Albion fan replied: 'Have you ever heard of a contract?' All the same, point made. Dorrans is an open secret.

Another national journalist, a veteran on the West Midlands' patch, compared him to Asa Hartford. I don't know - older Albion fans may know better.

It's all opinions.

Yet this is where it will start to get difficult for young Graham. It's the most crucial period of his career in many ways. The Scotland international will need to deal with the hyperbole that I, my colleagues, fans and others throw in his direction. It's a steeplechase which will either prompt, a few stumbles, an all-mighty crash back down to the ground, or present few problems for the confident Albion man.

And this is where the Baggies need to use caution. They need to ensure that Dozza, to give him the name he commonly answers to down Albion's training HQ, is protected from the hype. They need to ensure that he keeps his feet rooted, fixed almost, to planet earth. Albion fans have seen young talent dwindle into the wilderness in the past or, worse still, disappear down the wrong road to failure.

The more Dorrans performs, the more hyperbole will follow, the more scouts will flock, the more expectations will rise, the more pressure will arise, the more he will be judged. Each time that bar will be tilted sky-bound. What of his ability to remain level-headed?

He is already leaning towards being the most complete Albion midfielder I've personally seen for a decade. He can do a little bit of everything, without yet showing any major signs of weakness.

The management of Dorrans' career from this point will be crucial. He needs to be looked after. He may need dropping occasionally, he may need criticism at times, he may need praise at other times. He will need to be treated appropriately. And, frankly, I'm glad someone else is charged with that delicate role.

This, just as much as guiding Albion to promotion, will be a vital part of Roberto Di Matteo's management skills.

* Just a quick one - don't forget to check out the new Baggies View (which you can see here).

I'll be the baggy-eyed one (no pun intended) looking weary after Ipswich on Wednesday, trying to make sense of it all. You'll find us every Wednesday lunchtime at www.birminghammail.net and if you have any questions in the meantime please message Paul Bradley on paul.bradley@birminghammail.net

It's free of charge and will include snippets from the manager.

In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed for an Albion win this Saturday - nobody needs a replay...

There was one thing which wound up James Morrison during our interview. The word 'blister'.

Nine months of hell for, what, a small blister? If only it had been that simple. Sadly, previous boss Tony Mowbray was not medically trained. So when he said that Morrison's injury was a 'bit like a blister', it became a blister-related injury.

Three operations, 10-weeks wearing a cathater-style pump, about 30 trips to London to get the 'fluid' removed and several days in hospital.

That's some blister.

Regardless of who's to blame for the injury? Morrison doesn't really know who to attach blame to - right now it probably doesn't matter - but it'll be good for Roberto Di Matteo to have him back. The more options, the better.

The midfielder hopes to be back for the Ipswich or Sheffield United.

It's hard to imagine an Albion side with Morrison in it - he's been out for so long. But a fit-again Morrison will be a fantastic addition to the squad.

He has the ability to run at people, he's technically adept and has the vision to create for others. While he's long-range shooting can be inconsistent, he did manage to chip in with enough goals last season to suggest that he can add to Albion's tally this year.

He's been enduring double sessions since he returned to training and will continue to do so for the remainder of the campaign.

And with one or two of Albion's midfielder showing signs of fatigue, along with a dip in form, Morrison's return couldn't come soon enough.

Unlike those who may suffer long-term ligament, cartilage, tendon or muscular injuries - his progress shouldn't be restricted once he is back.

IT was appropriate that Neil Clement's last competitive game came at QPR.

He became the first Albion player to win promotion for the third time, he became an official champion, he was playing against the club where his late father was so revered, he was to make his 300th appearance for the club.

It all fell nicely into place.

Clement today officially announced his retirement.

It was no surprise. For some time we'd feared the worst.

The dejection in Roberto Di Matteo's voice when he spoke of Clement's prospects, Eddie Newton sympathising, Michael Appleton expressing hope that 'Clem' wouldn't be lost to football if he failed to recover from his injury. They all knew what he was going through.

His retirement closes the page on the last decade - in a snapshot of the Noughties, Clem's presence would be prevalent.

As a footballer we saw him start as a left-back, become a centre-half, evolve into a left wing-back, return to left-back, back to centre-half (earning himself a 5-year deal, such was his form) and occasionally find himself shoe-horned into midfield or even, on one occasion, up front. He had a left foot which many wingers would kill for.

Albion's current squad is very much a new order. This season has seen the departures of Greening, Robinson and now, finally, the retirement of Clement - such has been the turnover of players that Robert Koren is now the longest-serving player.

Clem will be staying around the club, helping out with the academy and the sports science department.

Even so, his presence on the pitch will be missed by Albion fans, players, staff and the media who dealt with him over the years.

Let's hope that the club do the decent thing and grant the 31-year-old some form of testimonial.

Given his former links and those of Albion's current coaching staff, dare I say someone ought to put in a call to Chelsea to see how they're fixed this summer...

IT's beer mat time - 138 Albion players to choose from. A team of the decade - the most exciting 10 years of Albion's history.
It was an epic decade with highs, lows, controversies and much more.
But what was the best team?
Here's my 11. It's based around a conventional 4-4-2 formation, no substitutes and takes no account for what the players achieved before they joined Albion or after they left.

GOALKEEPERS.
Russell Hoult is the obvious choice. A record number of clean sheets during 2001/02 and some excellent performances yet his form declined. Chris Kirkland was frequently injured and never got the extended run he needed. Dean Kiely and Scott Carson both have legitimate claims to the honour, but Tomasz Kuszczak ticks all boxes. He is easily one of the most intense professionals I've ever come across. He didn't seem to know how to relax. He has gone about his career with admirable diligence and professionalism. Crucially I don't recall him having a bad patch during his Albion spell - there was never a period where you felt he needed 'resting'.

DEFENDERS.
Right back was a weak category. Danny Gabbidon was never really here for long enough. Gianni Zuiverloon has ability too. Then there's Igor Balis. He was decent defensively, strong going forward. He gets into the side for his steel nerve - slotting in THAT penalty for instance.
Curtis Davies is automatic choice at centre-half. Composed, athletic, a strong tackler, comfortable in the air. It's remarkable how much his career has declined since leaving Albion. The other centre-half is trickier. Thomas Gaardsoe and Sean Gregan deserve mention. Darren Moore too. Big Dave was robust with the kind of heart that lands him a place in Albion folklore. But Davies' partner is one of two - either Jonas Olsson or Larus Sigurdsson. Both uncompromising and strong, with an ability to play the ball and man-mark sufficiently. We will never know how good Larus was due to injury so I'll opt for the left-footed Olsson. Left-back is a two-horse battle. Clement or Robinson? At his peak Robinson had character, passion and was a sturdy performer. But Clement had more pace and better positional sense - not to mention a left-foot that many wingers would kill for. Plus he stayed loyal.

MIDFIELDERS
Derek McInnes was a winner, an inspiration and utterly proud to be associated with the club. This is the man who took a pay cut to leave south France to move to the Black Country, yet he always bought into the club's ethos, past traditions and its future. He's my captain. There are few candidates for the right-hand side better suited than Zoltan Gera, though James Morrison goes close, not least as Albion spent the first four years of the decade playing with three central midfielders and two wing-backs. Gera was a scorer of important goals and had a phenomenal leap for a player of his height.
Michael Appleton had potential to be a Premier League regular but we'll never know, Enzo Maresca left after two games of 2000. That leaves Kieran Richardson or Jonathan Greening. The former made a huge impact but only in a dozen games. Instead I'll go for Jonathan Greening - not necessarily for his steady efforts of last season but more for his dynamic presence in the previous two years when first moved into the centre. On the left I make an allowance, simply to accomodate Jason Koumas into my side. He had that spot of devil within him. Talented, two footed and maverick, Koumas was a magician in the final third and got fans onto their feet - just don't ask him to track back.

STRIKERS
Dobie, Horsfield, Earnshaw, Bednar and Miller have all led Albion with relative distinction. Bob Taylor was also a consideration too but his best came earlier. A wonderful performer in the big games but, sadly, we'll never know he would have stacked up in the Premier League with Albion due to his lack of opportunities in a struggling side.
Kanu was box office - the kind of player Albion fans never imagined pitching up at their club. A fantastic manipulator of the ball, the Nigerian was a joy to watch when he was on form - which, sadly, wasn't that often. When on form, he was a privilege to watch. Diomansy Kamara too had qualities which defenders were fearful of. Quick-paced, good on the ball and able to run quickly with the ball at his feet - which not many can do. His biggest problem was his goals-to-chances ratio - he should have scored 50 goals during Albion's promotion campaign of 06-07. He'd need four chances to score you one.
So Kevin Phillips it is, scorer of 44 goals in just 81 games. His goals per minutes ratio could be even more eye-catching when you consider how often Tony Mowbray brought him off after an hour when he was on one or two goals. He could drag defenders out of position, was a natural finisher but also remarkably skillful. A brilliant professional and one Albion did not replace last season, which was to become an indictment during their failed Premier League campaign. Alongside him would be Jason Roberts. Strong, powerful, with an ability to out-wrestle more physical players, Roberts had the potential to be an Albion legend but made the mistake of falling out with Gary Megson. A dynamic performer, who was developing well during his stay at the club. So, for me, it's Phillips and Roberts up front.

So, that side again...

Kuszczak, Balis, Davies, Olsson, Clement, Gera, Greening, McInnes, Koumas, Phillips, Roberts.

PRESS conferences can often be amusing, fiery, boring, fascinating and, more often than not, utterly mundane.

There there are some that linger on in the memory, not necessarily for the right reasons.

Here are some of the highlights since the turn of the century from a media point of view. All instances have involved Albion in one respect or another - with most remaining locked away in the memory bank, until now...

Most worrying...
When Ife Udeze was unveiled he perspired, look so frenzied and agitated that we stopped proceedings to check he was okay. It wasn't a good omen.

Most politically incorrect...
A certain player talked about high-jinks before a match, comparing the ambush of his team-mates in the team hotel to an 'Al-Qaeda terrorist attack'. We opted against using the quotes for his sake.

Most bizarre answer...
So why does Roberto Di Matteo admire Arsene Wenger? 'Because he worked and lived in Japan.' Paul Sturrock talking about giving the 'missus a good beating' earlier this season was somewhat odd too. And a little worrying.

Most rude answer...
Steve Cotterill. Rude, arrogant and condescending to the Lancashire media who questioned him following one of Burnley's games against Albion. A close second would be Russell Hoult, who gave abrupt answers before Albion's trip to Crystal Palace - just minutes after the so-called training session which Gary Megson had been forced to end early due to indiscipline. We didn't know that at the time. Joe Kinnear and Gordon Strachan love the sound of their own voice too and are utterly devoid of any manners - both are generally disliked.

Most blatant porky ...
A colleague and I asked about Steve Watson joining Albion. Bryan Robson's answer? 'I wouldn't get too excited about him joining just yet'. We walked out of the manager's office to find Steve Watson waiting to meet his new boss. A close second would be Gary Megson telling us Inamoto was still about 6-8 weeks away from full fitness. He was on the bench two days later. Those are merely the tip of the 'little white lie' iceberg.

Most 'foot in mouth'...
Step forward Jon Greening. Criticised Steve McClaren's signings at Boro, said he would 'never make an England manager' and generally poked fun as his former manager. He was right in a way, although probably not the best idea given that Boro played, and beat, Albion the following week. Mind you, it was also Jono who asked whether there was a different sun in Portugal because it was so hot during Albion's pre-season tour of the Algarve.

Most under-stated response to a serious incident...
Ronnie Wallwork speaking for the first-time after being stabbed eight times. 'Well obviously I was a bit disappointed'...

Most impressive perseverance...
The Japanese press spent the duration of Inamoto's Albion career coming along to press conferences and matches simply with one aim - to ask the Inamoto question. For the first few months he had a broken leg yet still they kept coming. The same happened with South Korean media and Kim, but at least he figured more often.

Most obvious instance of not covering your tracks...
Bryan Robson conducted one briefing in his office, with his entire transfer wish-list written down behind him on the whiteboard. It was here I first learned of Albion's interest in Eduardo. If only...

Most explosive...
Gary Megson and a former Birmingham Post colleague enjoyed a fiery yelling match during one press conferece after the journalist had, somewhat innocently, reported Danny Dichio's wage demands in the previous day's newspaper. Megson's parting shot was to tell the journo to 'stick to cricket (reporting)...you dope'. My colleague, who happened to be a veteran of the Rhodesian Bush War, replied 'it's tennis actually.' Nobody fancied stepping in to stop this particular bust-up.

Most obvious twist of a quote...
'Agents like to hawk their players around this time of year', as told by Tony Mowbray to the Birmingham Mail, appeared as 'Kevin Phillips is hawking himself around to other clubs' in one red-top tabloid. Phillips has never forgotten this incident and once publicly warned his Blues team-mates to avoid this particular journalist when he spotted him at an event.

Most 'I'm getting sacked in the morning' revelation...
Gary Megson putting the knife into his players and his bosses following the Crystal Palace defeat in 2004, before explaining in a further interview that he wouldn't be getting a new contract when his current one expired. The club took that as his resignation and he lasted until the following Tuesday.

Most inappropriate question...
One veteran and very highly-respected journalist perhaps should have shown more tact when he asked Tony Mowbray why Albion were wearing an-all black kit against Derby County as there was no obvious colour clash. This question came less than half an hour after Derby had beaten Mowbray's side in the play-off final. Albion's choice of kit probably wasn't high on Mowbray's agenda.

Most improvised escape from the press...
When Paul Gascoigne played for Wolves reserves against Albion's second-string several journalists and TV cameras turned up for the fixture at Aggborough. We all waited for Gazza to emerge from the dressing room. What we didn't know was that the ex-England man had already pinched a brightly-coloured steward's jacket and made his escape, walking past us with his head bowed. We were totally oblivious. Until a steward returned to tell us that Gazza was already sat on the Wolves team bus, probably laughing at us. Another example of the man's flawed genius.

A FUTURE Italian international and a current media personality failed to prevent West Bromwich Albion losing 2-0 to Barnsley.
And they were just two of Albion's midfield in their opening game of 2000.
A total of 138 players went onto appear for the club during the Noughties, with 38 different nationalities represented among that lot.
They had three managers and a head-coach, two chairmen, with the Baggies playing 485 games.
Three promotions, two trips to Wembley and one title success. On the flip side, three relegations, two failed play-off attempts and two Great Escapes.
It's not just results which defined the decade.

APPOINTMENT OF GARY MEGSON
The right man, at the right time for a club who needed it. Chairman Paul Thompson's decision to appoint football's Troubleshooter General in 2000 was inspired.

THE SPRING OF 2002
The drama of the season was encapsulated in the final few minutes in the penultimate game at Bradford. Albion, who had missed most of their penalties during the campaign, assigned yet another player to try his luck - step forward Igor Balis. Albion still had it to do against Crystal Palace eight days later but once Balis' spotkick hit the net then there was no going back.

THE SUMMER OF 2002
Oh dear. It all started when Paul Thompson resigned, citing the failure of his relationship with manager Gary Megson. He was replaced by director Jeremy Peace, who swiftly brought in his own people. The fixture list for the following season came out - Manchester United (a), Leeds (h) and Arsenal (a) in the first three games.

STRIKE ACTION
A trip pre-season trip to the English seaside for Albion's Premier League-bound footballers. What could go wrong? Peace and two of his senior directors called a meeting with players. Grim faces emerged. The bonus scheme promised by Paul Thompson (£15,000 for a win, £7,500 for a draw, £5,000 for a defeat) was scrapped as it was deemed unworkable by the new chairman. The players called for a meeting with myself and a colleague. We convened in the hotel car-park where one senior player, flanked by his team-mates, read out a collective statement. Strike action was a possibility. The issue got resolved - but for a few days this was Albion's very own Cuban Missile Crisis.

THE MANAGER WHO NEVER WAS
When Albion travelled to West Ham United in November 2003, they were ready to sack Gary Megson. Mark Hughes was the favoured potential replacement. After about 20 minutes Jermain Defoe missed a sitter. Had he scored he would have put West Ham four up. The Baggies went onto win 4-3. Had they lost, Megson would have gone and the wheels would have been put in motion for an approach to the Welsh FA. That call was never made. Albion won promotion under Megson a few months later.

DUNNE AT CITY
Albion had just lost 4-0 and 5-0 to Blues and Liverpool. Next up Manchester City away. They were one nil down when up popped Richard Dunne to send the Baggies' only 'shot' past his own goalkeeper. Neil Clement moved from left-back to centre-half in the same game. Albion were transformed. Kevin Campbell and Kieran Richardson arrived and were inspirational figures during the second half of 2004/05. Albion stayed up after starting their final game of the season in 20th spot.

'HE BETTER BE FIT, BECAUSE I'M NOT PLAYING'
A comment from one Albion player in December 2006 - who shall remain nameless - after finding out his positional rival was struggling to be fit. Albion's squad was full of 'bad uns', with some going through the motions for the recently-appointed coaching staff. It would need to be dismantled. Tony Mowbray knew it and he was desperate for the summer transfer window. Losing the play-off final to Derby was no bad thing. By staying down, Mowbray bought Albion a vital 12 months when they needed it to reassemble.

WATFORD AWAY
Watford v Albion, top versus second. From kick-off, Watford launch the ball and kick it out for a throw-in level with Albion's penalty box. Football was the winner on the day. Albion won 3-0 and went onto sustain a title-winning challenge, reaching the FA Cup semi-final. Watford wilted.

By the way, that team against Barnsley in 2000?
Adamson, McDermott, Burgess, Gabbidon, Potter, Quinn, Sneekes, Townsend, Maresca, Evans, De Freitas. Subs not used: Morris, Angel, Oliver, A Chambers, J Chambers.

ON MONDAY MORNING - THE NOUGHTIES, AS TOLD VIA PRESS CONFERENCES.

A Merry Christmas to all readers and Albion fans, and a happy 2010.

Chris Lepkowski

So what's the latest.

Gabriel Tamas. Big interest here. But it's not as clear cut and there is red tape Albion will need to overcome, mainly because of the complexities of his current loan deal with Dinamo Bucharest from Auxerre. Likes a night out or two and would bring some rock n roll to Albion's dressing room. The most likely of all targets to materialise.

Jaycee Okwunwanne. The Mouscron man been watched a few times. There is an interest in the Bahrain striker, but, at this stage, no more. One for another time perhaps.

Antolin Alcaraz. The wonderfully-named Paraguayan defender, a former team-mate of Albion's ex-left-back Tininho, has been checked out by the club's European scout Tony Spearing. A potential target if things do not work out on the Tamas front. But, like Okwunwanne, one Albion are simply monitoring at the moment - no more than that.

Leon Best. The Coventry striker has been personally checked out by Roberto Di Matteo on a few occasions. Not really convinced in any of those games but his contractual situation - his deal runs out in the summer - could make him appealing. Could Albion do better? Possibly.

Elliott Grandin. The ex-Marseille striker's agent has been busy touting him around. The free agent is known to Albion's scouting network but his representative's comments that the Baggies are in talks with him couldn't be further from the truth. Albion have no interest in the Frenchman.

Adam Dudás. The Hungarian midfielder, whose had trials with Arsenal, has been linked with Albion in one of the newspapers in his homeland. The Baggies, again, have no intention of pursuing him at this stage.

Therry Racon. Chinny Reckon more like. A name plucked out the air and, most likely, touted by an agent. Not on the wish list at this moment in time.

For the pre-transfer window thoughts of Albion chairman Jeremy Peace and sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth check out Wednesday's Birmingham Mail (www.birminghammail.net), not least their views on Graham Dorrans' future. By the way, ever wondered why Dorrans keeps being linked with other clubs? His agent is Willie McKay... Say no more.