15th January 2006: As far as I'm
concerned, 2006 started a fortnight late. After two forgettable performances,
Albion produced a memorable display at the JJB Stadium to grab their
first Premiership away win of the season and move five points clear
of the relegation zone. The highlights were a first Albion goal for
Albrechtsen and a remarkable stop late on by Tomasz Kuszczak that
has been described by many commentators as the "save of the season".
It may not have been the prettiest of games, but the grit and determination
shown by the players after Darren Moore's sending off was superb,
and they'll need it in bucket loads over the coming weeks.
 January
remains a crucial month for Albion, not only because of the fixtures
but also because of the transfer window. A long injury list has exposed
the lack of depth in the squad and there is some concern that half
way through the month, the only business concluded by Albion has been
Riccardo Scimeca's move to Cardiff City. The on-off transfer of Ugo
Ehiogu back to the Hawthorns may be concluded on Monday, although
it took another twist over the weekend when it emerged that he has
18 months left on his contract which may lead to a loan deal rather
than a permanent transfer.
The shenanigans earlier in the week were almost farcical, although
it is MIddlesbrough boss Steve McLaren that emerges with egg on his
face, in my opinion. I cannot see how a player can be surplus to requirements
one minute, but then be required to cover an injured player. If McLaren
feels that he needs Ehiogu to cover in the event of Southgate suffering
an injury, it begs the question as to how he can be surplus to requirements
in the first place. Having said that, their capitulation at Highbury
on Saturday suggests that their squad is a little weak.
As for Ehiogu, I'd welcome him to the Hawthorns as it is obvious that
Albion are short of central defensive cover. I've always thought Steve
Watson should be given a chance, which he had today albeit not by
design, but neither Moore nor Gaardsoe look to have the qualities
necessary to succeed at Premiership level. Curtis Davies and Neil
Clement are both doing well, but I feel they would both benefit from
working with an experienced defender like Ugo. He may not be as quick
as he was, but I'm sure he would be a useful addition to the squad.
Other than the move for the Boro' defender, transfer speculation has
been limited. There are two triallists at the Hawthorns, Burkino Faso
captain Badou Kere and Slovakian midfielder Jan Kozak. It is unclear
whether either player will be given a contract, but reports suggest
that Albion are more likely to make a move for Kozak who impressed
in the Champions League earlier this season with Artmedia Bratislava.
Rumours about Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink joining either Albion or Charlton
appear to have been quashed by Steve McLaren stating that he is going
nowhere, but we've all heard that one before. And then there is the
question of Robert Earnshaw.
Last weekend, it seemed that Earnie had burned his bridges at the
Albion following the article in the News of the World. However, the
lack of any subsequent comment from the player, the club or the FA
suggests that this may have been old news printed by the NOTW when
it would make headlines. After all, the letter was written back in
October and the matter looks to have been closed for some time.
Whatever the truth of the situation, my prediction that the Welshman
had played his last game for the Baggies was somewhat off the mark.
Earnie remains an Albion player and made an appearance from the bench
at the JJB, his first involvement since before Christmas. An injury
to Horsfield may have given Robson little option, but given that young
Rob Davies was also given a place on the bench, it does seem certain
that Earnshaw was always going to have some involvement. Robson has
another decision to make on Tuesday as to whether to get him cup-tied.
Robson has been quoted this weekend as looking to sign two players
in addition to Ehiogu this month. The state of the squad at the moment
suggests that, in addition to a defender, we also need a defensive
midfielder to offer competition and cover for Wallwork and Inamoto,
and given Zoltan Gera's protracted recovery process, we also need
a winger. Of course, should Earnshaw also be prised away, he would
also need to be replaced.
One or the more interesting deals that was mentioned last week was
the prospect of Earnshaw going to Southampton with David Prutton and
Nigel Quashie coming the other way. The deal seems dead for a number
of reasons including Earnie's reluctance to drop down a division,
and a difference of opinion of the relative valuations between the
clubs, according to reports. Robson is known to rate Quashie, but
without any significant funds to invest, a deal seems unlikely.
So we just sit and wait for the time being. Robson pulled two crackers
out of the hat last January in Campbell and Richardson, so let's hope
he can do the same again.
And let's not forget, we may not have had eleven million pounds' worth
of new players on show this weekend, but we've got three points!!
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