1 - Russell Hoult
Appearances: 37 (L), 1 (FAC)
Clean Sheets: 6
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 6.89
MOMs: 6
Second in the jonwant.com Player of the Season Awards, Russell had
a good season and was even the best English Premiership 'keeper
on Opta for a time this year. He was unlucky not to get an England
call up, and barring a move his chance may have gone. He did make
more mistakes this year, including two monumental clangers against
Everton, but he was obviously tested far more frequently. He's a
possible target for Premiership clubs, and I'd be tempted to sell
at the right price providing Murphy stays.
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2
- Igor Balis
Appearances: 27+1 (L), 0+1 (FAC)
Goals: 2
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.35
MOMs: 0
A mixed season for Igor. He put in some good performances, but never
had the impact of last season because he spent so much time defending.
One of Albion's major problems all season was their inability to
get the wing backs forward often enough. He lost his place to Adam
Chambers for a while before returning to slot home Albion's solitary
penalty of the season. He's worth another season as he can do a
job in Division One, although his age is against him when looking
longer term.
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3
- Neil Clement
Appearances: 34+2 (L), 0+1 (WC), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 3
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.09
MOMs: 1
Neil started badly in the Premiership and struggled with confidence
for much of the season. He was a shadow of the player he can be,
and even his free kicks largely dried up. After an excellent game
at Manchester City, he did regain some sort of consistency late
on, but you can understand why Megson looked to Hreidarsson last
summer. That horse has bolted and Udeze failed to prove himself,
but I would be surprised if Megson doesn't strengthen the left side.
Don't get me wrong, I think Clement could be a great player, but
he lacked competition early on and Megson couldn't drop him - when
he did, he came back stronger. I also think he may be a better central
defender.
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4
- Derek McInnes
Appearances: 28+1 (L), 1 (FAC)
Goals: 2
Yellow Cards: 5
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 5.74
MOMs: 1
To be brutally honest, McInnes had a very disappointing season.
After getting sent off on the first day of the season, he returned
from suspension to put in an impressive performance at St. James's
Park, but failed to reach those heights again until it was too late.
Too many times his passes were misplaced, his decisions poor or
too slow. He lost the captaincy and finally convinced Megson that
he should be subsituted occasionally. He had his best game of the
season came on the day we were relegated, and he put in some impressive
displays from then on. All in all, despite the odd international
call up, I think he proved that he is not Premiership quality and,
if Appleton had been fit, he would surely have figured much less
frequently.
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5
- Darren Moore
Appearances: 29 (L), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 2
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 7.07
MOMs: 2
Though occasionally made to look slow, I thought Big Dave had a
storming season. His aerial prowess was second to none in the Albion
defence, his commitment total and his organisation superb. His injury
was probably too late in the season to have made a real difference,
but his absence was very much noted particularly on defending corners.
I rate his as one of Megson's best signings, and the rock around
which next year's defence must be built.
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6
- Phil Gilchrist
Appearances: 22 (L), 1+1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.57
MOMs: 0
Many of my match reports have described Gilly as solid. It sums
up his performances - solid but unspectacular. I know he has played
with an injury for much of the season, and injury eventually brought
it to a premature end, but I expected a bit more from Gilchrist.
I thought his Premiership experience would have shone through, but
I felt he was caught out in the wrong position too many times, at
fault for too many goals. Maybe I always gave him the benefit of
the doubt when marking, but in hindsight I confess to being disappointed
overall.
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7
- Ronnie Wallwork
Appearances: 23+4 (L), 1 (WC), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 2
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.15
MOMs: 1
I'm not sure if Sir Alex Ferguson was winding everybody up when
he described Ronnie as the "best Bosman of the summer", but if not,
he's seen something that very few of us have in Mr Wallwork. Punctuated
by one or two excellent performances including one as wing back
at Elland Road, Ronnie has not lived up to expectations in my opinion.
There's no doubt that he can spot and occasionally play an excellent
ball, but far too frequently, he gets caught in possession. A lack
of either height or pace made him a dubious selection in the centre
of defence, but as a midfielder there is promise, although as yet
unfulfilled.
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8
- Michael Appleton
Appearances: 0
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: -
MOMs: -
A sad season on the sidelines for one of Albion's most talented
midfielders. It's difficult to say whether he would have made a
significant difference, but I like to think so. Roll on recovery
for Appy.
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9
- Daniele Dichio
Appearances: 19+9 (L), 1 (WC), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 8
Yellow Cards: 6
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.18
MOMs: 1
Not the popular choice for the number nine shirt, but he lived up
to it in as much that he finished the season as the leading goalscorer.
It is quite remarkable given the fact that after starting the first
two games, he then played in just two of the next eleven. He returned
in to have a shocker against Villa at home, missed the trip to Everton
before scoring in the next against Middlesbrough - he played a part
in all the remaining games. He has often been ineffective, particularly
against big defenders, but he has caused problems for defences and
did what no other Albion striker could - score with something approaching
regularity. Although his hat-trick against Bradford won him Man
of the Match, for me his most impressive performance was at Maine
Road. When we were down to ten men, he held the ball up superbly,
kept the pressure off the defence and helped secure three points.
In summary, it was an OK season for Deech - in the right circumstances,
he'll do a job, but he should not be a first choice striker.
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10
- Andy Johnson
Appearances: 30+2 (L), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 5
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 6.48
MOMs: 3
AJ can never be accused of not trying. He worked tirelessly all
season and was, for the most part, an effective midfielder - assuming
you ignore the fact that the Royal Society for the Protection of
Barn Doors have named him their Man of the Year. Don't get me wrong,
I like AJ and I think he could be an excellent player. But his finishing
all season has been abysmal. He's got into the positions time and
time again, but failed to convert - it became a standing joke. The
biggest surprise was that he did find the target against Bolton,
but he squandered many more vital points. Another worry is that
after his injury, he's not come back as the same player - he still
can't score but he's been far less effective.
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11
- Jason Roberts
Appearances: 31+1 (L), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 3
Yellow Cards: 5
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 6.48
MOMs: 3
When I looked at the stats, I was surprised to see that AJ and JR
came out exactly the same, because my perceptions of the two are
very different. I suppose it comes down to expectation. We all expected
Roberts to take the Premiership by storm, and while the early signs
were encouraging, the season turned out to be a profound disappointment.
I can only remember Roberts missing one or two one-on-ones prior
to this season, but time after time he failed with only the 'keeper
to beat. Premiership defenders are far more intelligent than
those in the Nationwide, and Roberts' lack of imagination, and his
tendency to claim the foul rather than shrug off the challenge,
left him ineffective and frustrated. His tally of three goals,
and none since October, speaks for itself. I think he only kept
his place because the absence of a real challenger but, that said,
when Megson did finally drop him, he came back a better player and
did score in the last minute of the season, even if it wasn't given.
I'd sell him for the right price, but I would be happy to see him
at the club next season - he needs to improve but the potential
remains.
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12
- Scott Dobie
Appearances: 10+21 (L), 0+1 (WC), 0+2 (FAC)
Goals: 5
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.83
MOMs: 1
Scott's average rating is, I believe, more a reflection on the fact
that he was nearly always a substitute. More often than not, he
was brought on when Albion were behind and struggling, and he does
not have the presence to really have an impact in that sort of situation.
He is capable of scoring great goals, the official website's goal
of the season at Spurs is a prime example, but as it has often been
said of many (better!) players, a scorer of great goals is not always
a great scorer of goals. Having said that, you could point
to a brace in the last day of the season (his first at the Hawthorns
this season), taking him to the club's second highest scorer, and
say that he deserved more than 10 starts - you can't really point
to any regular goalscorers that deserved to keep him out after all.
In my opinion, he's missed too many chances this season, although
he's by no means alone in that, but he is a capable player.
He'll never make a prolific Premiership goalscorer, but he's a good
Division One player.
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14
- Sean Gregan
Appearances: 36 (L), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 10
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 7.06
MOMs: 9
Although he wasn't the popular fans' choice, Sean Gregan is my player
of the season, even without the jonwant.com stats to back me up.
He has performed consistently well, often out of position in the
centre of defence, and proved himself to be a strong and intelligent
footballer whose quickness of thought often makes up for his slowness
of feet! His ability to see a pass and, more importantly,
complete it, makes him a far more effective midfield "hard
man" than Derek McInnes. His discipline has let him down
this season, but it is a side of his game that is all important.
His lack of pace and the increased speed of Premiership football
made it inevitable but, in my opinion, it's a price worth paying.
He'll be a key player next season, and hopefully in the middle of
the park.
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15
- Bob Taylor
Appearances: 2+2 (L)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.25
MOMs: 0
Super Bob's testimonial season must have been a frustrating one.
Whether Megson fell out with the fan's favourite or not, we'll probably
never know, but it is disappointing that Bob never got a look in
after September especially as we were struggling for goals.
We probably should have guessed when he didn't get the number nine
shirt at the start of the season. Whatever you say about Bob,
he is a great goalscorer. Megson recognised the importance
of his experience when he selected him against Crystal Palace in
that all important game last season - give him a sniff and he'll
almost always put it away - it's something we have lacked all season.
His age obviously precluded him from starting games, but I'm sure
he would be worth a place on the bench from time to time.
Indeed, early on in the season, Megson did just that and even started
him against Blackburn. But the bizarre "new shoes"
injury forced him out of the squad, and he never returned.
Megson's gesture to start him against Newcastle will have endeared
him to the fans to a certain degree, and it's difficult to argue
against the decision to release him. A great servant to the
club, the Baggies hero of the Nineties - we all wish him well.
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16
- Lee Marshall
Appearances: 4+5 (L), 1 (WC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.38
MOMs: 0
In Bob's case, there is doubt - for Lee Marshall, there is none.
After gaining the distinction of scoring West Bromwich Albion's
first Premiership goal in what was a reasonably impressive start
to the season, Lee Marshall fell out with Megson and his season
was over. At what point that happened I'm not sure, but his
last few league performances were erratic and, to be honest, I'm
not sure we missed him. He's now on the transfer list and
it's not worth saying more as, barring a highly unlikely change
of heart (or equally unlikely change of manager), he will not wear
an Albion shirt again.
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17
- Larus Sigurdsson
Appearances: 23+6 (L), 1 (WC), 1+1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.71
MOMs: 2
Siggy deserves some sort of award. Other than the Chambers twins,
he is the only player that has figured regularly in the Albion side
in the past two seasons that wasn't bought by Gary Megson - what
makes it more remarkable is that Megson sold him to the Albion from
Stoke. I believe he deserved his place last season and, for
me, he's been one of the unsung heroes this season. Critics
will point to his inability to pass the ball, and it's difficult
to argue although I've spotted one or two that have gone to an Albion
player. But at the end of the day, he's there to defend and he's
done an excellent job more often than not. Well done Siggy.
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18
- Jason Koumas
Appearances: 27+5 (L), 1 (WC), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 4
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.77
MOMs: 6
The popular choice for player of the season, JK has certainly
been the "star" player for Albion this season. He would
have better jonwant.com stats had I not missed two games in December
in which he starred. With Gregan normally in defence and
the wing backs afraid to push forward, it's been left to Koumas
to create openings all on his own. He had little help from
the front line and managed to create out of nothing time and time
again. He is a quality player, although he needs to be more
consistent, but he will only get better. Megson had the guts to
take a chance on him when no other Premiership manager would,
and it would be a great shame if he were to leave now. He's
been making conflicting noises since the end of the season, so
it's a case of watch this space, and hope.
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19
- Lee Hughes
Appearances: 14+9 (L), 1 (WC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.65
MOMs: 1
The Ginger Ninja has divided Albion fans all season. One
camp says that he is a waste of money, the other says he's not
had enough chances and he's been unlucky. jonwant.com readers
know which camp I fall into and, while his season has been disappointing,
I've always felt that Albion have looked a better attacking outfit
with him in the side. He was a starter in every Premiership
victory this season, and he's not become a bad player overnight.
He was not fit when he joined, and it took probably until Christmas
for him to get back to match fitness - purely because he wasn't
being given the opportunities. He was desperately unlucky
not to break his duck in the league, particularly against West
Ham, and if he's given the chance next season, I fully expect
him to start banging in the goals again.
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20
- Jordao
Appearances: 0+3 (L), 1 (WC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 4.33
MOMs: 0
Not much to say - rarely seen and I only remember his first appearance
at Fulham. The only reason I remember it is because he was abysmal.
He did well when he first came to the Hawthorns, scored some important
goals including the winner at Molineux last year, but I won't
miss him.
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21
- Brian Jensen
Appearances: 0
Clean Sheets: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: -
MOMs: -
With only one appearance in two seasons, it's no surprise that
the Beast was released. He's a good 'keeper and he'll need to
be replaced as every club needs three 'keepers in my opinion.
If we can hold on to Murphy, I don't see his departure as a problem.
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22
- James Chambers
Appearances: 2+6 (L), 1 (WC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.25
MOMs: 0
The Chambers twins seem to alternate their prominence in the side
as if Megson can't cope with them both in the squad. James
was not considered for much of the season but, with a defensive
injury crisis at the end of the season, he started the last two
games and, in my opinion, did himself no harm at all. I
thought he was particularly impressive against Newcastle and,
while his height will always count against him at the centre of
defence, I see him as a good squad player who can put in useful
spells in the side when required.
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23
- Adam Chambers
Appearances: 10+3 (L), 1+1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.43
MOMs: 0
I've always liked Adam and he put in some impressive performances
this season. His a tough tackler and very mobile - a similar
player to AJ and potentially much more effective. He was
excellent last year and, after a season disrupted by injury, I
can see him at least feature regularly in the squad next season.
He has the potential to be a very good player.
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24
- Ifeyani Udeze
Appearances: 7+4 (L)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.00
MOMs: 0
If nothing else, Udeze succeeded in giving Clem some competition
which did improve the former Chelsea man's game by showing him
where wing back should play if not how. After scoring a
goal that wasn't given against West Ham, I don't think he really
recovered from Megson's wrath after his blunder at St. Mary's,
and there was never a danger of his contract being extended.
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25
- Des Lyttle
Appearances: 1+2 (L), 1 (WC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.00
MOMs: 0
Christened 'Small Dave' when he appeared in the centre of defence
in the debacle against Liverpool, Des did little more this season
than entertain us with his ever-changing haircut. I remember
being impressed by him when he played against us for Swansea in
the Play-Offs - but that was ten years ago and, after a good season
two years ago, it was right to let him go.
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31
- Joe Murphy
Appearances: 1+1 (L), 1 (WC)
Clean Sheets: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 7.00
MOMs: 0
What a Premiership baptism - to come on as a sub and save a Michael
Owen penalty. OK, so the fairy tale fell apart as he went
on to concede twice, but he looked very good in that game, and
in his next appearance at Newcastle. I'd really like to
hold on to this guy because he has the makings of a great 'keeper
- if Hoult stays, his international ambitions will see him look
elsewhere for first team football, but we should do all we can
to keep him.
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34
- Lloyd Dyer
Appearances: 1 (WC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: -
MOMs: -
As I missed the game at the JJB, I haven't seen Dyer play, but
by all accounts he's an excellent prospect.
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