A Mirror image

Sometimes I despair at my profession.

On Tuesday this week I spent half an hour with Tony Mowbray discussing all manner of issues, among them the situation regarding the out-of-contract trio of Kevin Phillips, Zoltan Gera and Martin Albrechtsen.

Mowbray also spoke about it at his BRMB forum later that evening.

At no point was he disparaging about any of the players, angry, disappointed or in any way animated. He simply wants to know if they are staying or going as, understandably, it will affect his transfer plans for this summer.

I, and a colleague from another newspaper, wrote this in the manner it was intended.

Today I see a story in a national newspaper claiming Mowbray has 'slammed' Phillips for 'hawking himself around'.

Complete rubbish.

Mowbray hasn't slammed anyone. I know this because I was with Mowbray when he said it. And then I heard him repeat it in front of several hundred people. He was calm, collected and understands that all three players are within their rights to look for better deals.

At no point did Mowbray 'slam' anyone.

It's absolute and utter garbage, from someone who is trying to spin a story into something it isn't.

Is it any wonder my profession has such a dreadful reputation. During the same meeting with Mowbray a list of about eight or nine players who have been mentioned in the media were put to him, some simply because they were once linked with Albion or used to play for the club. Mowbray, as I suspected he would, knocked every single one back. Not one was a target.

Do yourselves a favour - if you want to know what's going on at Albion, or any of our clubs for that matter, stick to the Birmingham Mail.

I'd like to think our readers prefer fact, not sensationalism.