3rd September 2004: With time
to reflect on the new signings, I remain optimistic about the season
ahead.
I'd already said that we needed a striker, a midfielder and a right
back and that's what we got. I'd have also liked to see another striker
and a left back, and it seems that the chairman was working hard to
bring other players in, but time ran out. Hopefully, those deals can
be resurrected in January.
Cosmin Contra was the big surprise and I had to look him up to find
out who he was. I was pleasantly surprised by what I found in that
he was in the Alaves team that reached the UEFA Cup Final, moved to
AC Milan for £7m and then returned to Spain to join Atletico Madrid
for £5m. He has moved to deny comments that he was disappointed to
be joining Albion as he had the chance to join bigger clubs earlier
in the summer. I can understand his feelings if that was indeed the
case, but such comments would've obviously been unwise - let's just
hope he was misquoted or misunderstood as he doesn't have the greatest
command of the English language.
Whatever the truth of it, he has a point to prove this season having
lost his place in the Atletico side, together with his place in the
Romanian squad. There's plenty of incentive for him to play his heart
out for the Baggies and, even if it is just one season, he should
certainly be an asset to the squad.
Earnie and Inamoto are both good signings and, together with Contra,
they all represent sensible deals for the Baggies both from a squad
point of view and a financial one. Well done Jeremy Peace - you've
done well for the club and given us a good chance of retaining our
Premiership status. It's now down to Gary and the squad to take that
chance.
Looking at the season so far, I'm surprised and disappointed that
Artim Sakiri hasn't found his way into the squad this season. I've
always believed that his game is more suited to the Premiership than
Division One, and I believe he could make a significant impact at
least from the bench if not in the starting line-up.
I was particularly pleased that Rob Hulse has stayed at the club,
to date at least. I recently watched the DVD of last season which
reminded me what a great start he made to his Albion career. A barren
spell brought a drop in confidence, but I believe he remains a quality
player and would like to see him as installed the third choice striker
behind Kanu and Earnshaw. Like Sakiri, I believe his game is suited
to Premiership football with his ability to hold up the ball and his
quick feet in tight situations. I understand he is now fit and I'd
like to see him on the bench at Anfield.
|
