Inspirational, in more ways than one

Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing-the result. Vince Lombardi

You may hear something similar coming from a Roberto Di Matteo press conference one day soon.

The Baggies boss was back behind his managerial desk on Tuesday preparing for this Saturday's game against Bristol City.

Sky Sports on continuous loop in one corner, a whiteboard of first-team names behind him, Eddie Newton tapping away on his laptop at the other end of the office.

On Di Matteo's desk lay the autobiography of Vince Lombardi.

The legendary US football coach - winner of five league titles during a nine year spell with Green Bay Packers - was one of the names bandied around when Tony Mowbray pitched up at B71 with his bag of humility. Mowbray swore by his genius.

Perhaps Mowbray forgot to pack his book when he left for Glasgow but Di Matteo is also trying to relate to the inspirational figure.

The autobiographies of England's rugby World Cup winning coach Clive Woodward and entrepreneur Richard Branson are also among those on the Italian's bookshelf.

Di Matteo said: "You try to learn every day.

"I've read Clive Woodward's book, which was very good.

"Richard Branson's autobiography, which I also thought was very good.

"You try to look at people who have been successful in their lives and see if there is something else you can do. You want to get better."

Speaking of inspiration, last Thursday's live Albion webchat (Thanks again to those who popped along) prompted a message from a supporter called chinawhite.

The idea is for Albion to honour soldiers with free tickets for a given game - or, as chinawhite called it, 'tickets for the troops'.

There was an added suggestion that the Baggies players visit Selly Oak hospital where so many brave servicemen lie injured.

Whether a hospital visit is feasible or practical may not be for Albion to decide, but the 'tickets for troops' idea is one which would certainly get a lot of support from all football fans, myself included.

I put it to Albion on Monday morning and have been told that the idea will be discussed. Let's wait and see what they come up with...

*One last thing, Abdoulaye Meite and Saloman Kalou exchanging blows while on duty with Ivory Coast. Personally I never knew Abou had it in him.