August 2008 Archives

Rejoice, transfer deadline day is almost upon us again.

Stand by your beds, Monday could be a long day.

Two centre-halves have all but checked in already.

Olsson we know about. The Swede has signed from Dutch club NEC Nijmegen.

He's been joined by Ryan Donk, who will join on a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent move, as already revealed by his club AZ Alkmaar.

So who else is coming?

Albion need strikers. David Nugent has been mentioned in today's press but I'm hearing otherwise. He certainly hasn't been on the radar up to now. But don't rule it out just yet. A player who isn't an option can suddenly become a consideration as the clock ticks down. It's happened before with Rob Earnshaw (back in 2004) and, more recently, we were told that Luke Moore wasn't a target...then he was...then he wasn't...then he signed.

But, as I write this, Nugent remains unlikely.

He isn't the only striker being looked at. I'll reveal in tomorrow's Birmingham Mail (and website) the name of another English-based forward Albion have looked into bringing on loan, as well as a midfielder.

Leaving? It'll be interesting to see which peripheral players will still be at the Hawthorns come midnight tomorrow.

There's a small chance that it could even be the end of an era too...

More about that and the rest of the transfer news in Monday's paper and on birminghammail.net

Just as Friday used to be Crackerjack Day, Thursday at Albion means Press Conference Day.

Sitting under the gunge tank this time was Paul Robinson and, as always, willing contestant Tony Mowbray.

Robinson was in good spirits. You can't blame him. A new contract is enough to make anyone happy. Robbo deserves the new deal. Every year we're alerted to new left-backs being watched or pursued. Yet Robbo remains in the box seat. He also said some nice things about Gary Megson too.

As did Tony Mowbray, who, for a football manager, showed remarkable flat-batting technique when quizzed about the Bolton boss' relationship with Jeremy Peace.

'Nothing to do with me,' was pretty much the answer.

Inevitably discussion turned to transfers. The Albion boss gave little away publicly although the chances of signing Oscar Trejo and Zheng Zhi are receeding fast. As I write this both look unlikely, but then...

Olsson is more of a possibility and don't be surprised to see the loan market (two domestic, unlimited overseas) being exploited. But remember, you can only play two loanees at any one time. Monday night could be a long night...

Meanwhile, word reaches me that the police in Hartlepool had taken their eye off the ball before Tuesday's Carling Cup clash.

Spotting an Albion 'supporters' coach heading into the region, the local constabulary instructed it to pull-over on to the layby to ensure that the vehicle was held back so that it would arrive at the stadium just before the kick-off. They clearly had no intention of allowing these Black Country 'hooligans' to roam the streets of Hartlepool.

Which probably wouldn't have been a major issue except for the fact that this coach was carrying Albion directors, life member and the very respected Dr Roger Rimmer, the club's media gang and, last but not least, chairman Jeremy Peace.

Apparently the rough-looking media officers confused the police.

Poor PC Plod was soon looking a little red-faced as he swiftly allowed the Albion entourage to complete the journey on to the Victoria Ground.

Bet they wish they hadn't bothered...

PS. To Anonymous (from my previous blog). Filipe said in a Birmingham Mail interview last month that it could be as early as the end of September but the likelihood is that it'll be sometime in October. You can never tell with knee injuries, but last I heard he was going well.

Let's be honest, a game against a Gary Megson side was the last thing Albion needed this weekend.

That is a compliment to the way he manages and will set up his Bolton team.

But, setting aside the respective form of the two teams, it will be interesting to see what reception the former Albion boss Gary Megson gets from the visitors - and I don't mean from the opposition directors.

Megson was once described by a colleague as the Marmite of football managers.

Personally, I don't necessarily subscribe to that.

His achievements, certainly in his opening four years at the club, will never be diminished. Regardless of his fall-out during the final few months, Baggies fans would undoubtedly be looking at a completely different West Bromwich Albion had it not been for his two promotions.

Those will never be taken away from his CV. He was the right man for the Albion job, at precisely the right time. The main criticisms would be that he was far too political and paranoid of those around him, often when he had no reason to be. Had he reigned that in then he might have got a top job long before he did.

I had my moments with Gary - there was a period of about six weeks when he didn't speak to me, over a completely trivial matter - but he could also be engaging and intelligent company. And far wittier than people gave him credit for. He told one anecdote about a former manager of his who was so angry and enraged following the team's first-half performance that he cut short the 'formalities' during his half-time toilet visit. The furious gaffer emerged from the cubicle to berate the players, only to be met with a wall of sniggering and chuckling from Megson and co - the poor manager not realising that a wet patch was rapidly spreading across the front of his suit trousers...

Imagine what Megson the manager would have made of that?

The point is that Megson isn't always the 'angry' man that many associate him to be.

Mind you, I can imagine the 2820 Albion fans travelling to Reebok this weekend will be hoping he's more than a little angry come 5pm.

In the meantime, I'd be interested to know your thoughts on Megson and this weekend's game...

You can read what Jonathan Greening thinks of his former boss in tomorrow's Birmingham Mail.

On another note, Albion have been linked with Derek Boateng, with one Israeli source even claiming he would be signing today (Wednesday). Not according to what I've heard. He was watched, some time ago, but that's as far as Albion's interest has gone.

Even so, there should be at least two or three new faces arriving before next Monday night's deadline.

A relative of mine is in the process of trying to sell a property in Spain and it's a little stressful, to say the least.

They've quickly found themselves victims of Spain's 'Manana' syndrome. This is the concept of where you put off until tomorrow what could be done today.

And it seems Albion have been suckered by it themselves.

Here are a few points about Borja Valero. He was at the club yesterday, he trained with the players today while his wife waited for him in reception. He walked past me in the training ground. He's here, he's brought his boots, he's ready to play. If he signs for Albion before 5pm on Friday you may yet see him on Saturday.

I left the training ground after 3.30pm, just as he was having an English lesson at the training ground.

So what's the hold up?

The reason is seems is down to paperwork. Contracts are being swapped from club to club and, in some instances between two FAs. Those are in English or Spanish. At times there is a need for translations of documents. As far as his agent is concerned the contracts have all been signed - the deal is done. That, in effect, is the case. But there is still more paperwork to be exchanged, which has merely muddied the issue.

Because of this it's taking a while for the deal to be finalised, not least as the Spanish club are in no rush. Albion would, of course, like him in time for Saturday's game against Everton. Mallorca are merely working at their own pace. They are putting off until tomorrow what could be done today.

All of which means that Albion's record signing is in danger of doubling up as the record for the longest-ever transfer saga. Gareth Barry can only look on in envy.

Of course that doesn't explain why so many transfers between English and Spanish clubs go through swiftly, without this hold-up. That's a mystery which I can't answer.

Tony Mowbray's comments from today's pre-match press conference have now been issued as a statement by the club website and, effectively, announcing to the world that the player is still potentially available for transfer, until, at least, all forms have been rubber-stamped by the respective FAs.

Albion's website merely confirm that Valero is a target. But then you've all known that for nearly a week. The media and supporters appreciate that Albion don't usually comment on transfers until they're done but surely, in the light of comments made by his agent, a statement explaining the hold-up would have been of more interest and value to the fans.

Meanwhile, the most expensive player Albion have signed/have yet to sign (delete as appropriate) remains in football's no-man's land.

Bizarre.

I can just see the press conference now: "I would rather spend a holiday in Tuscany than in the Black Country, but if I were compelled to chose between living in West Bromwich or Mallorca, I would make straight for West Bromwich." Borja Valero, August 2008.

Actually, I can't really imagine Snr Valero saying such things, although writer and broadcaster John Boynton Priestley clearly found cause to in his non-fictional works entitled English Journey, back in 1934 when he compared West Brom to Florence.

After all, why else would Borja Valero (apparently pronounced Borr-ha Bal-erro) contemplate leaving behind the sun, sand and sea of the Balearics for the Black Country? I could think of more than 20,000 reasons...

Albion's record signing-in-waiting has yet to rubberstamp his transfer.

But the good news is that he was here today (Monday), holding talks. The ominous clue came in the form of chairman Jeremy Peace, who arrived at 9am...on a Monday morning. Almost unheard of. Clearly there was something going on.

Tony Mowbray was saying nothing - 'thou shall not speak about players until they sign' has become the 11th commandment.

That's annoying for us, but you can't blame him. Given past experiences you'd like to think that once Valero had arrived Albion would have kept the gates firmly shut and confiscated his mobile phone...

So is he signing? Watch this space.

Settle down the watch two classics - albeit for contrasting reasons.

Firstly Albion's most famous fan 'boinging'. Goran Ivanisevic may not get to many games - but he clearly knows what to do.

And, secondly, check out Steve McClaren's new accent. If you thought he was a wally with a brolly before, then what would you call him now...

For shure Shteve, for shure

http://www.blackrocktourofchampions.com/1/default.asp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8oN58cyp2c&NR=1

A busy couple of days at Albion.

The news of the Mallorca Three came to light just before the club's pre-match press conference at the training ground. Tony Mowbray, somewhat predictably, said little.

What we do know, from Mallorca, is that an agreement of some sort has been reached for Borja Valero. Whether he comes or not now depends on Albion agreeing terms and no other club hi-jacking the move. Reports claiming that Albion's bid has been rejected are incorrect. It would appear things have moved on, as reflected by the comments issued by Mallorca. If all goes to plan he could sign early next week.

What's he like? Check out the following from Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.
http://www.guillembalague.com/rumores_desp.php?id=61

Oscar Trejo, on the other hand, is keen to remain in Mallorca and will be a far tougher nut to crack. However don't rule this one out completely. Albion are very keen to do business and Real are being co-operative. The biggest problem will be convincing the player to leave.

In any case if Albion do anything then they will be separate deals.

And Nunes? We're told, by the Spanish media, that a bid has been rejected, although the sub-£8million clause being quoted seems excessive in the extreme. Or at least it did until I spoke to another well-connected contact who informed me that the Portuguese defender is perhaps their most important player. This one probably won't happen.

Elsewhere, we had the unusual sight of a seeing a Wolves shirt down the Albion training ground. Nothing sinister mind. It was merely 'Wolfie', the club's mascot, setting off with Walsall's 'Swifty' and Albion's Baggie Bird and Junior Baggie Bird on an epic six-day tour of all 92 football grounds.

They will be raising money for the County Air Ambulance and Cancer Research. They took up the challenge after close friend and Albion fan Sophie Hill-Jones was involved in a fatal motorway crash back in May.

Anyone wishing to make a donation should visit www.justgiving.com/mascotsontour

Trevor Francis. Thank you.

Albion away at Hartlepool. Now I have nothing against Mark Venus' hometown - I'm sure it's very pleasant, exotic and free from the pollution of nearby Middlesbrough and the spluttering flame throwers. Apologies Mr Mowbray, but let's be honest, Teesside is like that in those parts.

But Hartlepool on a Tuesday or Wednesday night for the Carling Cup tie drawn out by a grinning ex-Birmingham manager? Not good.

Furthermore, thanks to Trev, I now have a problem. If this game is played on Wednesday August 27 then all fine and dandy. I may even pack my trunks and go for a midnight dip in the sea, next to the rigs and among the oil slicks.

If it's played on August 26 then, as Sven would say, 'not so good'. Not least as there will be the small matter of explaining to Mrs L that I'll be spending our first wedding anniversary watching the sun set over the North Sea (yes, yes, I know it faces east). Probably on my own. With a laptop.

Not exactly an all-inclusive fortnight package to Aruba, with its blue skies and steel bands now is it?

Stop grinning Trevor. This really isn't funny...

Around three or four years ago an email worked its way around the media circuit, featuring a ridiculous outburst by Phil Brown during a press conference.

He was manager of Derby County at the time and took umbrage at something he was asked by a member of the media. The journalist, to his credit, gave as good as he got. Brown didn't come out of it very well. Sadly it hasn't yet reached Youtube, although we can live in hope.

And it seems Brown hasn't learnt his lesson.

Hull, you may recall, wanted to sign Abdoulaye Meite and went to the trouble of matching Albion's bid.

Meite joined Albion.

I'm sure Brown isn't bitter. Well, unless you count the following outburst as being one of bitterness.

Here's what Mr Brown said: "I'm not at all disappointed.

"I want players with pride when they pull on a Hull City shirt but he didn't want to even do that for Bolton. I definitely believe that he was a good one to miss.".

So he was such a 'good one to miss' that he was prepared to spend £2.5million on the player?

Sounds to me like Brown is morphing into the next David O'Leary. God help us all.

Personally, I'm just thrilled that the pre-season games are over. Saturday's game against Real Mallorca was the best of an uninspiring summer of matches - we know Albion's tempo and quality will be cranked up somewhat this weekend. Since early July we've merely watched practice games involving opposition.

In fact I'm told that one member of Albion's staff became so bored during the Hawthorns' friendly that they updated their own Facebook pages while the action, or lack of it, was unfolding, or not unfolding, before them.

Presumably, the status read: "... is bored and wants the proper football to kick-off."

This Saturday is what it's all about.

They are football's necessary evil. They are the middle men who can make or break a transfer.

Never mind whether a player wants to join a club or not. If the agent doesn't get the fee he wants then he's not going to that club.

Tony Mowbray certainly isn't happy. After Saturday's game against Mallorca I witnessed an uncharacteristic outburst from the Baggies boss in which he claimed that he was fed up of 'outsiders' and 'advisers' interfering in the club's transfer business.

It's a source of frustration for Mowbray, who was brought up with working class values and completed his footballing education against the backdrop of a football club which was on the verge of permanent closure. Agents were the people you used to sell your house or book a holiday with.

Over the years I've dealt with many agents. I could name a few who are the rudest, most arrogant and vile people you could ever wish to meet. I imagine them to have pin-striped suits, side-partings and slick-oily hair. They probably have bad breath.

One agent, who openly links his players with other clubs to drum up interest in his client or earn a new contract, wasn't too pleased to hear that I wouldn't play ball when he asked me to link a player to Albion. I suspect there are many more like him - in fact, I know there are. I could even tell you about one who managed to secure a move for his client to a football club in return for the player's close family each receiving a new house. Had this arrangement not been put in place then the player would not have moved to this particular club.

Yet a few agents I consider as friends. One of them is a good mate who is one of football's nice guys. So they're not all bad. Unfortunately they're given a bad name by those who are.

But it's those who are who cause the issues and problems.

It's high time these people were brought to task. But they won't be because they technically run football.

Albion now find themselves in a position where they want a player, the player wants to join them yet the middle man is calling the shots.

Surely that can't be right?

Sadly, Albion have to find a way of dealing with these people. It's just a pity for Mowbray and co that some of these individuals, who probably don't know a crop circle from a centre-circle, are playing God with Albion's survival prospects.

Brian Clough, when at Nottingham Forest, once said that he would happily throw all the bad agents into the River Trent. I can see his point but the poor fish might have had something to say about that don't you think?