16th January 2005: A thoroughly
depressing day for Baggies' fans has been rounded off by two midfield
blows. Given that AJ was stretchered off at Craven Cottage, a serious
injury was suspected, and that now appears to be the case. It's ironic
that after calls from Albion fans for him to be dropped for much of
the season that such calls will be effectively answered after one
of his most impressive performances in an Albion shirt for a long
time.
The other blow has come from Argentina. Sky Sports News has reported
that Matias Almeyda is considering retiring from the game despite
apparently agreeing to join up with the Baggies. The family problems
that were touted earlier in the week are apparently serious enough
for him to think about hanging up his boots.
With Jonno now likely to be out for some time and Almeyda unlikely
to join, it leaves the Albion midfield short of a battling player.
In my opinion, I believe Inamoto should be recalled from Cardiff as
a result.
Albion's other midfield transfer target, Burnley's 19-year-old Richard
Chaplow, should now be pursued with more urgency. He is likely to
be more expensive given Albion's sudden desperation for a holding
midfielder, and Jeremy Peace needs to decide whether he is worth the
gamble given Albion's current position. Chaplow may be an easier decision
that other potential targets, as he is unlikely to want to leave should
Albion be relegated.
Tough times ahead for the Albion, with tough choices and tough games.
The board, management, players and fans all need to join together
to get the club through this and, with a bit of luck and a lot of
effort, we could still be playing Premiership football in August.
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