What's happening down at Albion then?
THINK back to some of Albion's great individual displays of this decade.
Jason Roberts ripping apart Sunderland's defence in a 2002 FA Cup game springs to mind, as does a stunning Tomasz Kuszczak performance at Anfield on New Years Eve 2005
The maverick Jason Koumas left Nottingham Forest spinning during a 3-0 win somewhere in Albion's second promotion under Gary Megson, I also recall.
But you'd have to go some way to finding a better display than Youssouf Mulumbu's at Middlesbrough.
From first to last whistle, the Congo international was destroyer-in-chief against Boro's midfield. Every 50-50 was won, he contributed up front and in defence.
Albion moved to his rhythm and pace. He dictated the team's performance with an individual display which combined skill, grace but also the kind of competitive streak this Baggies midfield has been lacking since Derek McInnes left the club. As an all-round display, you'll struggle to find a better one.
In terms of monies spent he's probably the best signing of the season so far - with Graham Dorrans not far behind.
Meanwhile, strange times at Albion's pre-match press conference today (Monday).
Roberto Di Matteo did, of course, get his first taste as a 'manager' against Arsenal - albeit in the cosmetic role of leading out the Chelsea team out before the 2002 FA Cup Final, not long after he'd been forced to retire through injury.
Arsene Wenger has won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and endless plaudits for all sorts of reasons (and the odd critic).
So what does Di Matteo envy most about the Frenchman's record? Read all in Tuesday's Birmingham Mail but suffice to say it was perhaps the most leftfield answer to a question - 'What do you think of Wenger?' - I've heard for a while.
And, while you're at it, have a quick look at the top of the Premier League, the Championship and the custodian of the top footballing job in England. Spot the link?
Forza Italia - whatever that means....
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Chris Lepkowski - Mail man Chris Lepkowski’s view of what’s going on at West Bromwich Albion FC.
Chris, are you hinting that our beloved Chairman may have been working his motivational magic on RDM - which consequently inspired his 'dreaming of pastures new' statement today?
Some boards have posted hints that not everyone at Albion is happy with RDM's management style - any info?
David
Roberto's comments were said, at best, in jest - he'd like to work in Japan/Asia in the same way I'd like to work for the Miami Times as the ladies' beach volleyball reporter. It may not happen but it would be jolly nice if it did.
As for hints that not everyone is happy with RDM - I suspect a succession of peripheral players would like to play more. Cox, Meite, Reid...that's healthy at a club. Those who aren't dying to get into the side shouldn't be at the club.
Apart from that, there is nothing to report. The transition period between TM and RDM was hard because of when it happened (right at start of pre-season) and it was noticably flat in Slovenia. Footballers don't do change easily.
But over the last few weeks, since the season started, there has been a very buoyant atmosphere around the club. I speak to a lot of people, in and around the club, and spend time down the training ground during the week. There's some serious covering up and fine acting going on if people are suggesting all isn't well at the club. I dare say there may be occasional differences of views or a case of players still getting used to different methods...but there are no Reo-Coker sagas going on. If there was I'd have detected it or heard about it as players don't do acting very well. Unless they play for Arsenal