Where do you find another Zaki?
The very question Tony Mowbray would love to know the answer to, along with other Premier League managers.
It's coming up to that time of year. Transfers, gossip, rumours.
There was a board meeting today (Thursday) which was expected to add more clarity to Mowbray's January transfer policy.
Targets won't be firmed up until the middle of December.
All names you've been seeing up to now are mere speculation and, as yet, no more than players who have been watched or merely thrown into the equation by agents, such as the Dietmar Hamann speculation, which is simply untrue.
For example, Albion went to watch Polish club Lech Poznan recently to check out a player. It was leaked out to Polish press that Albion were one of three English clubs at the game and, hey presto, they are linked with Semir Stilic, even though I'm told they were actually watching someone else. Whether they pursue either player remains to be seen.
But money will be tight this January.
Loans will be the obvious option. Mowbray has two domestic left - but not from the same club - and further overseas ones.
Will there be money available? Possibly, but it won't be much and it will need to be generated by the sale of players or the saving of all, or part, of their wages through loan deals. Don't be surprised to see one or two surprise departures - what price Luke Moore being one?
Mindaugas Kalonas is one possible arrival. The Lithuanian midfielder is due on trial in the next few days from Bohemians, where his contract has ended.
It remains to be seen if Albion pursue this beyond his short spell at the training ground. Robert Koren, Michal Danek and Artim Sakiri are among the trialists Albion have signed over the years. I could list dozens more who came, left and disappeared without trace.
You can read more about Mowbray's transfer plans in Friday's Birmingham Mail and www.birminghammail.net website.
And if you do know the answer to the subject question, you know who to contact.
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Chris Lepkowski - Mail man Chris Lepkowski’s view of what’s going on at West Bromwich Albion FC.
I think hamam would be a good signing but probebly not realy in keeping with mowbrays type off player. 35 i think.
personaly id like to see us go for sean davies.
interesting about moore. god knows who will pay us any where near what we payed though
Hiya Chris.
"But money will be tight this January."
Chris didnt we have four million available for Kevin Thomson? I also thought Mowbray didnt use all of his transfer funds in the summer as we were still were targeting a striker and midfielder. I really would like to think Mr Peace would back Mowbray. He deserves to be trusted. Look at the gems he has unearthed.
In my opinion i dont think Moore will go..however i have a feeling Brunt may be sold to finance a deal for striker. That may be a left-wing idea..but even though i like him as a player and a man..to me he hasnt got the attributes to be a top player in the Premiership. Also i feel he would fetch more then Moore in terms of transfer value.
Going back to my original question..where is the money that was still available for a midfielder and striker in the summer?
Keep up the good work mate. I'll be purchasing the mail tomorrow.
Good blog as always. Always enjoy reading your articles and especially your blogs. Your the only journalist i trust.
I know you have been working for the mail since 2001...just wondering how you got into journalism? I personally think you have got the best job!
I'm currently at University studying English and i am interested in pursuing a career in journalism. I would appreciate any feedback Chris. Thanks in advance
Good blog as always. Always enjoy reading your articles and especially your blogs.
I know you have been working for the mail since 2001...just wondering how you got into journalism? I personally think you have got the best job!
I'm currently at University studying English and i am interested in pursuing a career in journalism. I would appreciate any feedback Chris. Thanks in advance.
Rajesh
Is the answer Zakinthos?
What are the prizes, by the way; just in case I win?
Gordon, No prizes, sadly - there is a credit crunch you know. Frankly, I wouldn't even wish to recommend an airline in these times.
Anonymous - please feel free to email me on chris_lepkowski@mrn.co.uk and we'll chat more.
Dave. We shall see about Luke Moore... As for Brunt? Interesting. I feel he still has something to offer but Tony Mowbray has made it clear that there may be 'surprise' departures.
As for your original question - that's a good question. I'm not trying to make excuses but we're told that the nation is in a state of recession (or as good as). As a 'business', Albion will adjust their finances accordingly. Also, whether you agree or not, Albion traditionally use Jan for 'topping up'.
Wardy 72- Decent shout re Davis. The Hamann rumours are completely wide of the mark.
How about Milevsky at Kiev or Koevermans at PSV? They won't be mega bucks and there clubs are about to exit Champions League.
rsbaggy,
Danny Koevermans looked very good at AZ Alkmaar, before his transfer to PSV; in a traditional English centre forward kind of way.
He reminded me of what I might now describe as a Roman Bednar on speed: which might actually be good enough.
His wages would probably be an issue, however, even if PSV decided they were happy to see him go.
Albion should sign Scott Dann before a bigger club does.
If we've gotta sell to bring some players in, then i'd get rid of the following:
Hoefkens
Beattie
Sherjill MacDonald
Pele
Slusarski
Shelton Martis
Luke Moore
Obviously a striker is must, a defensive midfielder and an experienced defender will do for me. Hamann even though we won't sign him would be the right type of player on a short term deal. I've seen Hreidarsson linked, again someone who is old but his experience could prove worthwhile. As for the Striker, who knows! Carlos Vela from Arsenal would be great but doubt Wenger would let us have him.
It concerns me that not only are some of the players not premiership material at the Albion but Tony Mowbray doesnt seem to know how to play the premiership game.