On strike

HERE's a thought. Back in 2007/08, Albion's opening 14 games - the 3-0 win coming at Watford - had already brought nine goals from Kevin Phillips, six from Ishmael Miller, one from Craig Beattie with Roman Bednar still some weeks from making his debut.

Two years on and, in the opening 14 League games, three of Albion's strikers have scored six between them. One, Roman Bednar, is struggling with his fitness and was probably brought back too early. Another Luke Moore has lost his early season and summer form.

He's back to the player he was last year and previously. ie. Not particularly interested.

The third one, Wood, just 17, often has been given the responsibility of scoring Albion's goals. Worryingly, he is starting to get stick from a very small minority of fans.

And the fourth striker is Simon Cox, who has barely been used. Sources tell me that he can play up front on his own, as part of a two or in a supporting role. Albion's coaching staff - check out Eddie Newton's comments last week - are pleased with him. Yet, still, he doesn't play. All of this is raising the question most of you would have been asking when Albion first made a bid for him.

Roberto Di Matteo insists Cox was brought to the club with his blessing. Yet the longer his first-team exile continues, the more questions will be raised.

In the light of this, surely now is the time to strengthen - before Albion's form slips any more...