May 2009 Archives

I'm surprised I don't speak in a Glaswegian accent or break out into a 'Donald where's your troosers?' given the number of chats I've had with Scottish contacts recently.

As I write, Tony Mowbray is heading the list of Celtic candidates.

There are other names but for the basis of this write-up let's concentrate on the Albion boss.

So, if he was offered the job, what should he do?

Let's consider why he may leave Albion:

1. Celtic will guarantee European football of some sort. The SPL may be regarded as a footballing wasteland but the exposure of the Champions League would give Mowbray a profile he would never get at The Hawthorns. Celtic play in front of 60,000 home fans and silverware is likely.

2. The former Celtic captain is a legend at Parkhead, not least because of his willingness to play first-team football in-between providing around-the-clock care for his terminally -ill wife. This incredible gesture of dignity, grace and humility has never been forgotten by Celtic fans. (The pre-match 'Huddle' was Mowbray's instinctive reaction in his first match following Bernadette's death. It was the first such huddle of its kind - it's been copied by many since, but never with the poigniancy of its original form)

3. Mowbray and Jeremy Peace are, to be frank, not enjoying the best of relationships at the moment. Only last Thursday, Peace spoke of this season's transfer kitty not always being wisely spent - although he didn't point fingers directly. Twenty four hours later Mowbray was the angriest I've ever seen him during his two-and-a-half-year spell at the club. Several colleagues shared this view. He had just found out that Peace had gone public on the 20-man first-team squad proposal. Although Mowbray isn't necessarily opposed to cutting numbers, as long as its on his terms, it's a plan which doesn't sit comfortably with the Baggies boss. He found time to mention this again in his post-match press conference on Sunday, asking how a squad of 20 would cope with injuries when one of 31 couldn't...

4. Coincidence or not, his weekly briefing with the local media will not be taking place tomorrow. It was cancelled this tea-time. That may have something to do with there being no further games this season but the conspiracist in me does wonder. Bryan Robson's weekly briefing was also called off - about two hours before news broke of his depature.

5. Potentially a better salary and working at one of the biggest names in football, despite the paucity of Celtic's success on the European front over the last 40 years - the club has an incredibly rich tradition and profile. It's one for the CV.

6. Let's say Mowbray was to be offered the Celtic job, rejected it but then had a poor start at Albion next season. We all know that patience tends to wear thin around the time that the clocks go back. That's one hell of a regret Mowbray will have.

And now, let's consider the reasons for staying:

1. He wants to build a long-term future at the club. It's not just managerial tub-thumping - he genuinely has an affection for the club, mainly due to his affinity with the fans. You'll have read about this but, also, privately, he has often been left stunned at the support he's received. Humility is a big thing for Mowbray.

2. The challenge of another promotion and creating an English version of 'Villareal' or 'AZ Alkmaar' at The Hawthorns is one of his aims for Albion. Would winning nine out of 10 games in the SPL pose such a challenge? Definitely not. Surely it could only bore a manager of such fierce ambition.

3. Mowbray has, at times, struggled with some of the more high-profile media scrutiny during his time at B71. At Celtic he will be under immediate pressure - the 'Old Firm media mafia' include camps who are traditionally pro- and anti- Celtic and Rangers, depending on which journalist or newspaper you read. A bad result would soon see references to his relegation at Albion and any weaknesses. It's an unforgiving environment at the best of times. If Mark Lawrenson or Gary Lineker are capable of upsetting him, then what will Glasgow's finest tabloid hacks do to him after a couple of bad results? The Champions League is perhaps deemed more important than the SPL title by Celtic's hierarchy. On that basis, the Parkhead club play arguably their most important match of the campaign in a little under eight weeks time. Lose that and Mowbray will already find himself a marked man.

4. His wife is heavily pregnant with their third child. Uprooting now may not be domestically convenient.

5. This may be the lesser or greater of two evils for Albion fans, but would Mowbray consider restoring Middlesbrough's status at some future point as a greater challenge to leading Celtic to top spot in the SPL? A successful campaign with Albion (or any other English club) could open more doors at the Premier League's big clubs than Celtic ever will.

6. He has previously spoken about the lack of quality on offer in the Scottish Premier League given the benefit of the hindsight he now has following his two-and-a-half-year spell at Albion. Why go back?

So there you have it. Not definitive. And it raises more questions perhaps.

Other names I've heard mentioned are Owen Coyle, Mick McCarthy and Craig Levein. The third one maybe deemed too 'low key' for Celtic, while the first two have just led their two clubs to promotion.

If Coyle was offered the job, however, I wouldn't be surprised to see his head turned. He's no mug - Burnley's main prize will be survival next season. And, before a ball is kicked, they'll be deemed as relegation fodder. Celtic may be an ideal chance.

Mark McGhee was mentioned but looks set for Aberdeen and the usual names of Curbishley, Moyes, Bruce and Hoddle have all been listed. Not sure about any of those.

All of which makes me wonder whether Mowbray will have a tough call to make over the next few days or so. Celtic are looking for a swift appointment due to their Champions League campaign starting in July.

As Mowbray would say, 'let's wait and see...'

There are three things you can be certain of on a quarterly basis - utility bills, the climax of a reality TV show and the Albion Chairman's address to the nation.

Or, in my case, his address to you, Birmingham Mail readers.

So what did he say? Well I can't tell you all, but I ask you to check out the Birmingham Mail website on Friday for news of Albion's two imminent signings.

Bednar? No news as yet. Peace gives his thoughts on the size of the first-team squad for next season, his comments on Tony Mowbray's future, his thoughts on Barry Ferguson and who you may be seeing for the last time this Sunday.

I'll say no more on that.

Elsewhere, those good people from S4A (Shareholders for Albion) invited myself, the Mail's Villa reporter Bill Howell and two colleagues for a forum tonight.

It was a good night, not least when a member of the Sutton Coldfield supporters club branch stood up to deliver his less-than-enthusiastic views about Tony Mowbray's management style.

The young chap was in mid-rant when he felt a tap on the shoulder and turned to find himself staring back at Tony Mowbray.

Or at least we thought it was until Dean Walton removed his mask.

In any case I've got myself a mask. My two-and-a-half-year-old daughter loves it - I thought she'd be terrified to be honest - and I plan to wear the mask at Friday's pre-match press conference.

Let's see how Mowbray likes it.

THERE was a moment in Albion's ailing Premier League campaign where things changed.

It came in the away game at Portsmouth. Not so much the result, or even the performance.

It was the moment when, at around 2.10pm, the team-sheets were posted onto the wall of the Fratton Park press room.

No Teixeira, no Kim, Cech wasn't even on the bench and Moore was probably shopping at the Mailbox.

In came Dorrans. Menseguez and Mulumbu were subs, with Chris Wood - whose shirt number and name were ironed on by Portsmouth's kit man - also claiming a spot on the bench. Nothing particularly exciting, but it was a significant taster of what may come.

Let's get the spin out of the way first. Albion, we're told, don't need to sell this summer. But the disclaimer is that it would be helpful if one or two did actually go for a decent sum.
I'm not convinced. I'm of the view that Albion do have a bit of money, somewhere. Possibly gathering dust. Don't be fooled by spin. There may be a surprise or two - the pursuit of Barry Ferguson being an example.

This summer Tony Mowbray starts again.

His new-look Albion will embrace his philosophies but offer a little more steel and know-how. This is where Youssouf Mulumbu comes in. Young, hungry and a ball-winner. Ferguson would be as an addition, not an alternative.

Juan Carlos Menseguez is a big possible but Marc-Antoine Fortune may be trickier. He's bought into Mowbray's ways but his agent has been sounded out by Premier League clubs.
Mowbray made mistakes this season. So far he's hurdled the trip wires placed by his critics and manouvered himself through the throw-away culture of football, showing plenty of humility along the way. He's winning back friends he thought he'd lost.

Some players will be surplus to requirements. Hoefkens, Pele and Hodgkiss.

But what of the first-teamers?

Robert Koren has become frustrated. He considers himself a central midfielder but has played elsewhere too many times for his liking.

James Morrison is highly rated by his manager but will be sought after, as will Chris Brunt who has found himself a niche role on the right wing.

Will Borja Valero stay?
His re-sale value won't be high. A Spanish return may be a possibility, as would a loan to the Premier League club. Mowbray rates him as a top-six Premier League player yet didn't pick him for Albion's biggest game of the campaign, against Liverpool. Work that one out.

Dorrans has emerged, Wood is coming through. Gianni Zuiverloon and Ishmael Miller remain are young and gifted. Too much so for the Championship.

So what lessons from this season?

Let's start with last summer.

Strip any club of one third of its firepower and a struggle is inevitable.

Albion never replaced Zoltan Gera or, more so, Kevin Phillips.

The signings were a mix of good, bad and faulty. Jonas Olsson, at £800,000, is a big gold star next to Mowbray's CV. Robust but also able of carrying the ball out of defence. If the Swede had pace he'd not be with Albion.

Zuiverloon suffered a mid-season crisis but was athletic, graceful and composed when at his best. Scott Carson, in such desperate need of a jolt of confidence following his previous campaign, was perhaps the right keeper at the wrong time.

You could almost see the colour draining from his face as a succession of defensive blunders hampered Albion. He made errors, costly ones at times, but also proved himself to be a good shot stopper.

Abdoulaye Meite was to become a regular - if only in the treatment room. Let's move on.
Marek Cech came in, committed a few acts of indiscipline and has been rarely seen since. Roman Bednar started his Albion career as a bubbly, enthusiastic bundle of laughs. This season he seemed angry, with more haircuts than first-team starts.

Behind the scenes, Jeremy Peace's public profile might have diminished in direct proportion to the number of shares he owns but the same policies remain. Albion had the lowest wage bill in the top flight. Coincidentally, or not, Albion are suffering their third relegation under three different managers. Yet it's hard to argue when Norwich and Southampton, unfortunate victims of Albion's Great Escape, are heading for League One in a mess and, in the latter's case, a 10 point hit. That's assuming the Saints are still around next season.

Albion run a three-year cycle. So this summer they are actually planning ahead taking into account the worst case scenario in 2011/12, that being a campaign with no more parachute payments. It's logical but will cause frustration at all levels outside of the boardroom.

Yet there is a middle ground to be found. Mis-managed clubs may suffer apocalyptic demises but Albion weren't far from staying up. It needed a slight nudge of the till to bring in one or two. It wouldn't have crippled the club.

Albion must take on-board last season's mistakes.

If you're thinking things are bad, consider this - rewind 12 months and those scenes at St Andrew's when Blues were relegated last May.

And now recall what happened at The Hawthorns last Sunday.

Exactly.

SOME will be tuned into Soccer Saturday, others into the radio.

If you're still struggling, then check out Danny Dichio's busy and insightful website and blog. Deech might not have been Albion's greatest No9 but he was an articulate and intelligent bloke who has gone onto forge a successful career at Toronto.

He has some interesting observations on Didier Drogba, tells us about his quest to become a permanent Canadian resident and has a Q and A with his former Albion colleague Jason Roberts.

Jason, it seems, is still avoiding elevators following his time with Albion...

You can check it out for yourself here.

And what about Tony Mowbray?

He's still wondering what to make of the masks.

The Baggies manager was asked about them at the pre-match press conference.

"Have you seen them? Goodness me. I had someone wearing a mask sat next to me earlier this week and it wasn't good looking at all," he joked.

"You could save them for October and Halloween to be honest.

"The mask is scary - it's not one of my better shots. My wife hasn't seen it. I don't think she wants to and I want to keep her away from it.

"I don't look in my mirror and think 'hmm, I'm looking good'. But it is very humbling and a great honour.

"I'm sure some people will like them."

HUMILITY, honesty, down-to-earthness. The third one is not a word. But, for want of a Thesaurus, it will have to do for now.

Let's talk Jay Simpson.

Stay with me - this is a long one.

Sometime ago I interviewed Jay for the Sunday Mercury. It was supposed to be a quirky piece about his love for Ten-Pin Bowling.

Apparently he's quite good. Each to their own, but that's just my view.

During the course of the interview, Jay told me that the move to Albion hadn't gone as well as he would have hoped. He wouldn't elaborate too much.

I asked him about next season. Tony Mowbray had told us, a week earlier, that he wanted to sign Simpson next season.

Jay clearly wasn't keen on the question. He made it clear he was an Arsenal lad. And, let's face it, if you had a choice of the fourth best club in the country or the 20th, your choice would be made up.

Of course, chances are that Jay won't make it at Arsenal. Just as Kieran Richardson didn't do it at Manchester United.

It's possible Jay will even slip down the leagues.

Right now, we simply don't know. Even Kwame Ampadu had to start somewhere before he pitched up at The Hawthorns.

That Jay Simpson interview went out on a Sunday. By the afternoon, and by Monday, it had appeared on other websites and in other publications - some of whom should know better. The spin was frightening. The fall-out more so.

One major news organisation claimed that Jay wanted to leave there and then. One said that he would be leaving immediately. They used the quotes from my piece to illustrate this.
At no point did he say that. At no point did I say that.

I'm no apologist for Jay. He's been poor for some time, he is desperately lacking confidence, he looks more League One right now than Premier League and I'm not one for his new haircut. I prefered the Mr T look.

Nevertheless, let's get down to mythology.

'Jay Simpson is a disgrace - he doesn't want to be here', raged one text message from an Albion-supporting mate to me two weeks ago.

On the contrary, he does. He just doesn't chase lost causes or bleat about how wonderful life is at Albion. False bravado, Tony Mowbray would call it.

'Jay Simpson should be sent back to Arsenal', said one mate on my Facebook chat during one late-night conversation.

Not possible, due to the loan conditions. So I'm told.

Many more, scanning websites and letters pages, have questionned his commitment.

I can't argue with the fact that he is more 'out' than 'in' the first XI. His form has been woeful.

But he shouldn't be booed on the back of quotes where he has been misrepresented.

A lack of form or ability is not, necessarily, his fault. Nor is it his fault that he's picked to play by someone else.

You can read what Tony Mowbray thinks in today's Birmingham Mail story here.

So what about Jay the footballer?

A Premier League player? Maybe not. Desperate to leave Albion? Depends which newspaper or website you read. Not according to us he wasn't. He's ambitious. Which is fair enough.

Arrogant and obnoxious? No chance. For goodness sake, this is a man who goes Ten-Pin Bowling to amuse himself. And, worse still, admits to being good at it.

His main vices are stepping over the line or hurling a purple one down the gutter.

Jay Simpson is simply a kid whose only weakness was to be honest during an interview and, subsequently, be stitched up by people who steal quotes from those of us who actually interview people face-to-face. They wouldn't know Jay Simpson from an ex-US footballer who starred in Naked Gun and might, just might, have done something worse.

His inclusion on a team sheet may deserve groans, the scratching of heads and sarcastic laughter. But, from what I know of him, it doesn't warrant abuse. He's simply guilty of being naive.

I'll leave you with this. A few weeks ago, some Albion fans were queuing outside the gates of the training ground. Each and every player stopped - bar one. I won't say who, as there might have been mitigating reasons why.

But Jay Simpson pulled over, got out of his car, shook hands, signed items and had his picture taken with the kids, who were accompanied by adults. He didn't have to. Simply signing his autograph would have been enough.

Those kids have something to tell their mates at school. It was a significant gesture on his part.

I wonder how that could get spun?

'Premier League footballer harrasses autograph hunters', perhaps?

Some random thoughts post Wigan.

1.Wasn't Dean Kiely on vintage form? But who was that No.28 - the one who chased, harried, got stuck in, made useful runs into space and generally made an impact when he was on the ball? Borja Valero's best outing in an Albion shirt so far I'd say. Fortune, Brunt and Menseguez also shone. Fortune brings out the best in Brunt.

2. Jay Simpson. He may want to play for Arsenal but surely there's no mileage in booing the lad during games. Let's say Albion want another player from the Emirates next season - Jay's feedback about his time at The Hawthorns may be crucial. Moaning to his team-mates that he was jeered won't help matters.

3. It's a question I was asked many times during my live chat last week (by the way, thanks to all of you who contributed despite our technical problems). The Birmingham Mail has tried to get you an answer from Marc-Antoine Fortune about his future. Tony Mowbray remains doubtful so we've tried to get a response from the player. Albion's press office tell me that, apparently, his English isn't good enough. Fine, but that doesn't explain why I managed to interview him earlier this season without any problems and how he managed to speak to club personnel for the Albion website on Saturday which, funnily enough, had no mention of his future. Chances are he'll say that he'll decide at the end of the season - that's the usual answer. But, right now, nobody knows and people are asking.

4. Steve Bruce may have a certain nickname among Albion fans - and, let's face it, was rather obsessed with Paul Robinson's challenge on Blues' Damian Johnson for an unhealthy period of time - but he showed why he remains popular in media circles. The ex-Blues boss came into the press room less than an hour before Saturday's game to catch-up with old friends. Not many managers would do that these days.

5. Take Phil Brown for instance. Word reaches me that the Hull boss, who has an enormous picture of himself hanging behind his desk, is becoming increasingly disliked on the football managers' circuit. And I'm reliably informed that ex-Albion boss Gary Megson is one of those fed up with Brown's ego, which should dispel any conspiracies that the Bolton manager would want Hull to pick up points, at Albion's expense, in this Saturday's Reebok clash. There's a growing list of footballing people crossing the Tikka-tinged Tigers manager off their Christmas card list.
Personally I wouldn't know what he's like - but I did hold the door open for him at the KC Stadium press room earlier this season and he didn't even acknowledge the gesture. Most people say 'thanks'.

6. Albion fans want Villa to win - something you'll probably never read again. But Martin O'Neill's men play both Boro and Newcastle before the season closes. Villa's contribution towards Albion's potential survival shouldn't be underestimated. Manchester United, Fulham, West Ham and Bolton could also help matters.

7. Does anyone else think Jason Koumas may be Wigan's token sub to boost numbers? He was the only Latics reserve not to warm up once. As for luckless ex-Albion loanee Chris Kirkland, you have to feel sorry for him. It must be something in his date of birth, May 2, 1981 - the same day Wolves injury-prone keeper Matt Murray was born.

IMAGINE 1800 Tony Mowbrays staring back at you.

That would be some sight.

Well, the people who brought you those 6000 Ricky Hatton masks in Las Vegas are supplying 1800 masks for the traditional end-of-season party at Blackburn later this month.

Mask-arade, founded by Baggies fan Dean Walton, will be producing the life-like masks of the Albion boss for every fan who attends the Ewood Park bash.

Mowbray, being the good sport that he is, has given his backing to the venture.

Leamington-based Dean is confident it will be a success.

"On the back of the masks we will give instructions for everyone to put them on a minute before kick-off," he said.

"It will be an incredible sight and should go down in Albion folklore."

TWENTY fours hours is a long time. Especially if you need to raise several hundred pounds.

Now I admire Albion for cutting season ticket prices. I salute them for making more junior season tickets available. And the early-bird is a fine idea. Not least as the bird has been caged for 24 hours.

But a drama is never far away when it comes to Albion and the selling of tickets. Remember the Wembley phone-lines? Fans waiting for 90 minutes only to be cut off just as they were 'next in the queue'.

The Birmingham Mail has been inundated with supporters who haven't been impressed by what they feel is a 'gun to the head' approach by the club. Basically, raise the cash in time for tonight's 5pm deadline - or lose your seat. Not a problem for those with the means to do so. Less so for others.

These are hard times. People are losing jobs, saving money or prioritising towards other things. A lump sum of several hundred pounds is a lot of money.

Worryingly, Albion fans, unable to raise the cash in time, are being forced to miss out on the early bird scheme and, as a result, lose their usual seats. Clearly there needs to be a deadline - but why so soon, before the season has even concluded? It hasn't been helped by conflicting feedback from ticket office staff. Some fans are being told they can reserve their seats by leaving a £50 deposit. Others being told that isn't possible. The rest probably can't get through.

One Albion fan, Sam from Stourbridge, told me: "I received my weekly Albion newsletter telling me that not only does the Early bird scheme finish on the 30th but also my chance to renew my seat.

"After that date my seat (which I have had for four seasons) was going to be made available for relocations and new applicants.

"Panicking I rang the club to see if I could put a deposit on my seat and was told no. To guarantee my seat i needed to pay in full.

"A friend of mine phoned on and spoke to someone else and was told that you can put a deposit down on your seat and pay the balance by the end of May.

"Hence my disillusionment. One person says one thing another says completely different."

Another fan, Erik from Birmingham, put it even stronger. In an email to us he claimed that he was given little notice that he needed to pay up now - or lose his seat.

"I was given one weeks warning that if I didn't pay u I would lose my seat," he said.

"I have been a season ticket holder for 15 years in the Smethwick End stand and had the same seat. I feel betrayed by the board and I feel let down, they do not know how to treat their loyal fans.

"We have always had till June to renew our season tickets and I thought it would be the same for this/next season. In times like these when everyone is watching the pennies football clubs should show loyalty to their fans.

"However Mr Peace seems to think otherwise. I just cannot afford right now to keep my home and away season ticket for next season.

"For 15 years I have followed Albion all over the country through good and bad times and this is how I get treated for my loyalty. It leaves me sick to my stomach.

"Words can not explain how betrayed, let down, hurt and anger I feel towards the current Board. I have now decided that enough is enough."

Strong stuff indeed.

Albion have brought a lot of good when it comes to ticketing prices - although claiming that you can get potentially four extra games for your money in the event of relegation is akin to swapping a week in the sun for a fortnight in Rhyl - but clearly some fans are feeling let down.

Why is there always a saga when it comes to the sale of tickets?

On the plus side, the club are backing The Bomber Squad, the newly-formed group of supporters who are creating a singing area in the Birmingham Road End. That will get The Hawthorns rocking again next season, regardless of the division. It's just a shame that while the stadium may be louder and noisier, there will be more empty spaces.