July 2009 Archives

Sir Bobby Robson was one of the great men of football.

If, like me, you're in your 30s, then the chances are that Italia 90 will be the most memorable World Cup. It conjured up iconic moments. England's performances during that World Cup established a Year Zero for football following years of hooliganism and stadium tragedies. England's success, orchestrated by Sir Bobby and helped on by Gazza's tears, turned the tide.

I had the privilege of interviewing Sir Bobby twice. The first time before Albion's Premier League clash against Newcastle during 2002/03 and then, face to face, at the 2007 BBC Sports Review of the Year when he was given an emotional standing ovation after being recognised for his services to football.

He wasn't just a great footballer, captain, manager or fund-raiser - he was also a gentleman.

In the press area afterwards it was clear to see how endearing and warm he is. While some of his fellow awards' winners shunned the media or kept them waiting, Sir Bobby came out and spoke to everyone. The fact that he was so obviously poorly and weak wasn't an issue.

He spoke for about half an hour and probably would have done so for longer had he not been in demand elsewhere. Sir Bobby was witty, thoughtful and spoke with great gusto about the game.

Among the questions included one about his time with Albion as a player during the late 1950s.

"One of the happiest times of my life," came the reply. This, remember, is a man who led Ipswich to the FA Cup, almost won the World Cup with England, managed his beloved Newcastle and won trophies galore with some of the biggest clubs in Holland, Spain and Portugal.

How appropriate, and poignant, that Albion should be playing Newcastle next weekend - two clubs so close to his heart.

I've never met a person who has a bad word to say about Sir Bobby. Those who knew him generally had an amusing anecdote or two.

Today is a sad, sad day for football. Please feel free to leave your thoughts below.

Yesterday's friendly showed that Albion are still some way from being the finished article.

Woefully lacking in numbers up front - who knows if, when, Roman Bednar will return - and lacking numbers at full-back, reinforcements are needed.

Reuben Reid of Rotherham is a big possible, as is Real Betis' German winger David Odonkor is also being strongly considered - the latter is a bit of a long shot, not least as he's had injury problems over the last two years. Marlon King, I'm told, isn't a target.

Roberto Di Matteo has indicated that a lack of pace is an issue, so Reid and Germany international Odonkor would fit the bill.

But, equally, they need a couple of defenders, at least one centre-half and full-backs to challenge Zuiverloon and Cech. Abou Meite flattered to deceive against Swindon and Shelton Martis is struggling to get over his Liverpool mistake.

Yesterday's friendly showed that Albion are still some way from being the finished article.

Woefully lacking in numbers up front - who knows if, when, Roman Bednar will return - and lacking numbers at full-back, reinforcements are needed.

Reuben Reid of Rotherham is a big possible, as is Real Betis' German winger David Odonkor is also being strongly considered - the latter is a bit of a long shot, not least as he's had injury problems over the last two years.

Roberto Di Matteo has indicated that a lack of pace is an issue, so those two would fit the bill.

But, equally, they need a couple of defenders, at least one centre-half and full-backs to challenge Zuiverloon and Cech. Abou Meite flattered to deceive against Swindon and Shelton Martis is struggling to get over his Liverpool mistake.

ALBION in a cup final. Yes, you read that correctly.

Boing FC is the official WBA supporters' football team, they play in the Internet Football Association and will take on holders Preston North End in tomorrow (Friday) night's IFA national cup final in Leeds.

Along the way, they have beaten Sheffield United 4-1, Torquay United 2-0 and Millwall 2-1, before seeing off Aberdeen (4-2) in the semi-final at Newcastle United's training ground.

The Birmingham Mail wishes the lads good luck for Friday's game, which kicks-off at 6.30pm at Boddington Hall, Leeds.

"When you hear the roar of the Brummie Road End, it really makes a big difference to Albion players."

The words of Tony 'Bomber' Brown.

So it's just as well the Bomber is happy to lend his support to the group of Albion fans who have adopted his name for the new 'singing' section of the Birmigham Road End.

Organisers Martin Greenwood and Mark Abel, regulars on fans' website westbrom.com, met the Bomber this afternoon to promote the idea, which already has nearly 100 like-minded supporters on board.

The fans will be seated in an area towards the back of the stand and both Bomber and the supporters are hopeful it will be a success.

"It's a great idea to generate a bit more noise," said Bomber.

"It does make a big difference to Albion players and it can be intimidating for away players when the fans get going in the Brummie Road End.

"I am all for it and happy they asked me to be part of promoting it."

Martin added: "Bomber is just a top bloke and we're honoured and privileged that he's backing us. I was never fortunate enough to see him play but he's a gentleman.

"We have had three more come up and join us in the last few days, taking our total to 93 or 94. Hopefully we'll get some more soon."

Fans wanting to know more about TBS can contact Martin by emailing him on martin@westbrom.com.

For more details and pictures of today's launch, check out tomorrow's (Wednesday's) Birmingham Mail.

WELCOME to Croatia. Or so I believe it said as we crossed the border last night for the final friendly against Varteks.

It was clear as we followed the police escort to Varazdin that the country we had left behind is obviously benefitting from EU funding where non-members like Croatia are not.

In Slovenia, the roads are new, the buildings and surroundings are beautifully maintained but this little pocket of Croatia was still living in a by-gone decade. A stark reminder of the nation's troubled past.

Varteks will be a familiar name to Aston Villa fans as it was the scene of their infamous exit from the Uefa Cup back in 2001/02 - no sniggering - back in the time Bosko Balaban would have been in his pomp had his manager John Gregory actually bothered picking him.

It could explain why there was a poster of the Croatian misfit on the front of a Villa programme from their game all those years ago.

Saturday's game itself you can read about in my match report. Craig Beattie scored twice, Youssouf Mulumbu again provided an all-round presence in midfield with others chipping in with decent performances.

One man who won't want to remember the game in a hurry was Scott Carson. Conceding a late chipped goal was bad enough but poor Gianni Zuiverloon was complaining of a sore toe after feeling the full weight of the Albion keeper's foot and studs at one point during the game.

The game was watched by BBC TV presenter Adrian Chiles, whose mother comes from Zagreb, and was on the same flight as Baggies fan and Mask-arade guru Dean Walton, he who arranged for the Tony Mowbray masks at Blackburn.

And a Roberto Di Matteo mask formed part of his hand luggage.

The plan was to get 20,000 of the masks printed for Albion's opening game of the season against Newcastle. The club were happy to endorse it and promote it but the plan fell down at the final hurdle - with the Albion head coach saying that he'd rather not.

The Italian claimed it would detract from the players, although he appreciated the gesture all the same. Watch out for Dean on Dragons Den over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, Birmingham Mail snapper Tim was facing an eight hour drive to join up with Blues on their pre-season tour in the Austrian mountains. From 35c in Slovenia to 13c next to the Alps. No factor 30 needed there Tim...

Albion checked out of their hotel today ready to catch their Ryanair flight back from Graz in Austria. But spare a thought for Dave Chance and masseur Simon Griffiths.

As you read this they will be rattling around somewhere in Europe, with a van-load full of kit, goalposts, balls and other bits and bobs.

THERE are one or two things which occasionally annoy me about this job.

Meeting Miss Slovenia 2004 is not necessarily one of those things.

The Ljubljana beauty, who was subsequently an entrant into the Miss World contest later that same year, is Albion's newest fan after checking into the Grand Hotel Primus today.

She even dressed for the occasion, wearing a blue and white outfit.

Luckily for the Birmingham Mail, the glorious and highly intelligent Ziva Vadnov - not just a pretty face, she speaks five languages - was more than willing to pose outside the hotel with an Albion training kit and passed on her best wishes to the club for the forthcoming season.

With support like that, Roberto Di Matteo's job has just got easier.

Elsewhere, one person who won't be making many phonecalls for a while is Bill Styles, the club's assistant head of sports science.

Bill does a lot of invaluable work behind the scenes to help players in their recovery from injuries and has played a huge role helping to organise this Slovenian tour.

But he got himself into hot water - literally - when he decided to take an evening dip in the hotel's indoor pool.

After easing himself into the warm pool, all was well until that frightful moment hit him - the one you get when it dawns on you that you've forgotten to empty your pockets.

Bill duly pulled out a totally submerged mobile phone and wallet. Bet he felt a right drip...(sorry).

Roberto Di Matteo, meanwhile, was on 'interview duty' today. The first proper chance I've had to sit down with the new Albion gaffer for a proper chat.

It's easy to forget, while speaking to the Italian, that he's worked for some of the finest managers and coaches in football.

Arrigo Sacchi, Dino Zoff, Zdenek Zeman, Ruud Gullit, Gianluca Vialli, Claudio Ranieri and Cesare Maldini.

With a background like that, and a burning ambition and single-mindedness which is obvious when you speak to him, you wonder what he'll bring to Albion's table this season...

IT was a day off for players today. And that finally meant we got a bit of time off.

Contrary to popular opinion, covering any football club on tour isn't just a week away in the sun (or rain if you're really unlucky). Honest.

Early starts for training - due to the heat - are followed by lots of waiting for players to arrive for interviews.

Those interviews then have to be transcribed, a spot of lunch (if we're lucky) and then an hour or so of more work before the afternoon training session.

By the time that's finished you're talking 9-10pm. Snapper Tim has to send his photos and I have to write stuff for the following day's papers.

Somewhere in between we have to find time for dinner.

And all hasn't been well in room 126, our home, for the last couple of days.

It might be a four star hotel but that didn't stop the water from packing up in our bathroom.

I blame the Albion players because a lack of water certainly wasn't affecting Chris Brunt or Scott Carson, who continue to suffer on the second floor.

The Albion keeper has been keeping his team-mate up all night with constant sleep-talking.

And they've also been sleeping in what Chris described as 'Sahara desert'-like conditions.

It wasn't until yesterday that it dawned on Chris that their room was suffering technical difficulties when he was woken up by water dripping on him from the overhead air conditioning.

He can't blame Scott for that one.

Even so, the rest of the hotel has been fantastic and an ideal base for the team's pre-season preparations.

And we can't grumble too much when we're in the same corridor as about 20 members of the Russian swimming team.

Big broad shoulders, athletic and all six foot-plus giants - that's just the women.

The Russians have been using an Olympic-sized pool that's normally reserved for visitors to the giant water park opposite the hotel.

The squad were in the pool at tea-time being put through the mill by their female coaches, all of whom look like they could hurl a shot putt or two without much effort.

And you have to pity the poor visitors who were jumping into the pool, completely unaware they were interrupting the swimming sessions of a nation's potential next Olympians, and getting a good telling-off in finest Russian for their troubles.

EUROPOP can only mean one thing - it's pre-season time.

And NK Nafta's stadium in Lendava didn't disappoint with classics of the pop world - Duran Duran for instance - belting out alongside Slovenian 80s' soft rock before yesterday's game.

Even the Liquidator got played. Twice. Good enough for Slovenia, but offensive at the Hawthorns. Work that one out.

Chris Hall, of Albion World, was busy losing track of the goals during the game.
A Sinisa Jankovic first-half volley sailed just wide of Dean Kiely's goal, bounced off the hoardings and rolled onto the net when Albion were leading 1-0.

Chris couldn't help but praise Nafta's equaliser at half-time. But we should let him off really - he was watching the game as he filmed it. But even so Chris...

Luckily Birmingham Mail snapper Tim Easthope was on the ball.

Spotting Jonas Olsson running into the box as Albion prepared to take a corner, Tim raced over to behind the far post just as the Baggies defender headed it into the bottom corner directly in front of Tim.

And didn't we all know about it afterwards. Yes, Tim, it's a great photo...And, yes, Jonas did tell Tim 'it's the best picture I've ever seen' (probably while rolling his eyes and sighing).

Yesterday's game threw up more stories of incredible commitment from Albion supporters.

The turn-out of around 65 included Ian Smallman, a 59-year-old Black Country man.

He motorcycled through France, Italy and Switzerland before finally heading down to Slovenia.

That takes some doing and Ian admitted that as he entered Slovenia he thought to himself 'why exactly am I doing this?'

Isn't that the one of the wonderful complexities of being a football fan.

*Sadly, the game was over-shadowed by the latest news on John Hartson's illness.

The ex-Welsh striker was with Albion when the club last visited Slovenia two years ago and provided some of the more memorable light-hearted moments of that tour.

Staff, players and fans have been saddened by his news. The Birmingham Mail wishes him all the best.

Today (Wednesday) also marked the 20th anniversary of Laurie Cunningham's death. He might have only spent two seasons at Albion, but there are few held with more affection than Cunningham.

IT was a long trip but someone had to make it.

Step forward Dave Chance and masseur Simon Griffiths.

The sheer amount of Albion's kit and equipment made it too logistically impossible to be transported by plane.

So the club's under-18 matchday co-ordinator and colleague took a van packed full of mobile goalposts, balls and kit to Slovenia from the West Midlands.

Leaving on Friday lunchtime, the pair crossed the channel to Calais, travelled across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland, Germany, Austria and Slovenia, before finally rolling into Ptuj 22-and-a-half hours later.

All of this meant they were too tired to enjoy Simon Cox's rendition of 'Fly Me to the Moon' , as part of the initiation task for all new players.

But Leon Barnett is unhappy that Youssouf Mulumbu wasn't willing to follow in the new tradition, one of the first innovations introduced by new coach Roberto Di Matteo.

Leon, nephew of X Factor finalist Beverley Trotman, said: "I think he should do it. He has been singing 'Soldier Boy' and doing and dance so I don't see why he can't do that.
"Coxy did it and I'm sure any other new signings will have to do the same."

Mind you Leon can't really criticise anyone for their singing, having been Youtubed singing Pass the Dutchie.

"I was thinking about that the other day and Michael Jackson is a massive hero of mind so that's what I would probably do," added Barnett, completely unfazed by having a voice more suited for Crimewatch than talent shows.

"I have been singing Rock With Me all the way to training and back so I've got that in my head."

Best stick to football, Luke.

Elsewhere in Ptuj, players were back out on the training pitch during the early evening.

All of these late finishes wreak havoc on the dinner front as far as the travelling press are concerned.

We were forced into a late-night dash into Ptuj for a bite to eat and, with it being a Monday, the town was as quiet as a monestary during the 'vow of silence' season.

But we managed to find one bar still open and serving food at 11.30pm. While my colleagues tucked into a ham and cheese toastie, the barman locked the doors, drew the shutters down across the windows and joined his own pals on the next table for a quick cigarette.

Stranger still, the smoke wafting over to our table suggested our accomodating bar tender and his friends weren't necessarily puffing on Marlboro Lights...