18th January 2005: After confirmation
yesterday of the news that Matias Almeyda has indeed decided to retire
from the game, and will not therefore be joining the Baggies, there
was more news on the prospects for the Albion midfield today.
First of all, Andy Johnson's injury is not as bad as was first feared,
but he will still be out for three weeks. Nonetheless, I still feel
that we should recall Inamoto from Cardiff as we don't have a huge
amount of decent cover in that position. It seems that Robson disagrees,
however, as it was announced today that the Japanese international's
loan spell has been extended for a further month, although Albion
have the right to recall him at any time. It is further evidence that
the player may not be in Robson's long term plans.
With regard to transfer targets, Burnley are said to be awaiting a
bid for teenager Richard Chaplow, playing against Liverpool tonight
in the FA Cup, and Nicola Legrottaglie has apparently decided to stay
in Italy and join Bologna rather than try his hand at the Premiership
with either Albion or Villa.
On another front, Lord Gary has denied that he was about to make a
move to sign Darren Moore and Geoff Horsfield. I can't say that I
was too worried as Robson wouldn't have sold and neither player would've
wanted to go, in my opinion.
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