7 Up

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.