1 - Russell Hoult
Appearances: 36 (L), 3 (FAC)
Clean Sheets: 7
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.45
MOMs: 0
I believe we have seen the best of Russell Hoult, and it wasn't
this season. There was always a question mark over him from the
start of the season as regards his back injury, and whether it was
a subconscious effect or not, I don't know, but he didn't seem to
have the same presence in the box. As a result, the defence was
never quite as assured of his ability to deal with crosses which
caused problems on more than one occasion. He remains a decent 'keeper,
certainly as a shot stopper, and he put in some crucial performances,
particularly in the two pivotal games as Man City and Bolton, but
it came as no surprise to me to learn that Robson is looking for
a new man between the posts. Hoult has been a great 'keeper for
the Baggies in the last few seasons, but I sense that this may have
been his last at the Hawthorns.
^ Back to Top
2
- Riccardo Scimeca
Appearances: 27+6 (L), 1 (CC) 2 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.97
MOMs: 0
I can't make my mind up about Scimeca. I wasn't disappointed when
Megson signed him, and I've come to the conclusion that he's definitely
a Megson-type player, not that that is necessarily a bad thing.
He's certainly versatile, although his two games in central defence
were an unmitigated disaster, and has put in some good performances
both at right back and as a defensive midfielder. His main issue
has been one of consistency and he looks more uncomfortable against
the better players than you would expect for a player with his experience.
He's probably good to have around as a squad player, but I doubt
he'll be much more than that next season.
^ Back to Top
3
- Paul Robinson
Appearances: 28+2 (L), 3 (FAC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 6
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.69
MOMs: 3
At the end of last season, I predicted good things for Paul Robinson,
but halfway through the season, I thought I'd got it horribly wrong.
He struggled early on and was one of the major culprits in the poor
team performances at Anfield and Selhurst Park. He lost his place,
first to Albrechtsen and then to Clement. He eventually got his
first start under Robson in that pivotal game at Eastlands and,
while he didn't sparkle on that occasion, once Clement moved into
central defence, the two began to develop an excellent understanding,
which is ironic given that they had generally been seen as rivals
for the same position. The switch gave Robinson the confidence to
get forward knowing that Clem could adequately cover for him, and
his attacking play was much improved. He also linked up well with
Greening and became a key part of the team from an attacking point
of view. The pinnacle of the season for him was obviously his first
goal for the Baggies, and he could not have chosen a better time
or venue at which to score it. He now looks like a Premiership player
and he will hopefully continue to improve with experience.
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4
- Thomas Gaardsoe
Appearances: 25+4 (L), 1 (CC), 1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 6.48
MOMs: 1
Having won my Player of the Season award last season, I expected
big things from the Gaard this season, and I was left slightly disappointed.
He looked fairly solid early on but his form began to waiver - I
actually think that I marked him a little favourably on a couple
of occasions because of the esteem in which I held him. I think
it boiled down to experience at the end of the day, in that he was
too often caught out by the clever movement of the top quality strikers
you find at this level. He's had a tendency to panic on occasion
and give away free kicks in dangerous positions, which has cost
us dearly on occasion, and his sending off at Man City was probably
the low point after which he was dropped. Having said all that,
when Robson finally lost his patience with Purse, Tommy came back
into the side for the Cup replay at Spurs and took his chance well.
He's not performed to the level he did last season, but he generally
improved as the season went on, and he and Clem seem to have developed
a good understanding.
^ Back to Top
5
- Darren Moore
Appearances: 10+6 (L), 1 (CC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.86
MOMs: 3
Big Dave was named as club captain by Megson at the start of the
season when he implemented the voting system to choose the team
captain. It was a strange choice given that he wasn't a first choice
player, but evidently his influence in the dressing room was considered
significant enough. It must have been a frustrating season for Darren
with only ten starts, but when he has played he has done well. You
will always get 100% commitment from Moore, which is why he won
MOM at Colchester, even if you don't always get the best quality
football. He played alongside Purse for the first few games of Robson's
reign but picked up an injury prior to the Charlton home game. That
ruled him out until the New Year by which time Clem had established
himself alongside Purse, and when Purse was dropped, Robbo opted
to put Gaardsoe in. He got one more start against Arsenal when Albion
played with three at the back, and he performed well. The news that
Robson is rumoured to be pursuing Igor Tudor once again may mean
that Moore's first team opportunities may be limited, although he
does seem to be above Purse in the list at present.
^ Back to Top
6
- Darren Purse
Appearances: 22 (L), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 6.58
MOMs: 5
It's been a very strange season for Darren Purse. When he signed
in the summer, it was widely viewed as a good capture for Megson
and he was certainly performing well early on. When Megson abandoned
the voting scheme, he was named as team captain and was established
as the first choice centre back. He played 24 of the first 29 games
having been rested for the Colchester debacle and then banned for
four games following the game at St James's Park. On the whole,
Darren is a solid defender, but his problem is that when he makes
a mistake, it's a huge one. Own goals, soft penalties and elementary
mistakes had already been made during the season before he made
crucial errors in the key games against Palace and Norwich in February.
That was the final straw for Robson and he never played again. For
a guy that won five Man of the Match awards this season, it seems
strange that he should be so far out of the picture come the end
- his all round qualities as a defender cannot be doubted, he just
seems to have a concentration problem that cannot be tolerated at
this level. It may be correctable, but I fear that he has missed
the boat as far as Bryan Robson is concerned.
^ Back to Top
7
- Jason Koumas
Appearances: 5+5 (L), 1 (CC), 1+1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.69
MOMs: 1
From hero to zero in one season. It is a crying shame that, having
performed so well for the previous two seasons, the talent that
is Jason Koumas finds himself on the transfer list. Last season,
he scored a magnificent ten goals from midfield including some real
pearlers, and looked to be developing into the player we all knew
he could be, but two red cards at in the last few games meant that
he started this campaign on the sidelines with a four match ban.
Whether those moments of stupidity were symptom of the personal
problems that seem to have plagued him since, I'm not sure. Megson
had always criticised him for not being tenacious enough defensively,
so it could've just been that he tried a little too hard, but both
incidents seemed to be petty and unnecessary. When he did finally
start playing, his form never approached the heights of last season,
although there were glimpses of his talent, particularly in the
second half against Liverpool at the Hawthorns - unfortunately,
none of his teammates bothered to turn up that day. Robson has complained
of his lack of application and that seemed to be the case when he
got his chance in the Cup replay at Spurs - quite frankly, he didn't
look interested. With rumours of gambling and drugs problems, it
looks like another sad story of a wasted talent is being written.
I feel privileged to have seen JK play - it's is a great shame that
his huge potential looks like never being fulfilled.
^ Back to Top
8
- Jonathan Greening
Appearances: 32+2 (L), 0+1 (CC), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 5
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.78
MOMs: 6
Greening was certainly one of the signings I was very pleased with
last summer. He had been the player of the season for 'Boro in 2002-03
and had only lost out last year because of injury. His form this
season has marked him out as the most consistent performer, particularly
in the dark moments in the first half of the season when he looked
like our only attacking outlet for long periods. He has played on
both flanks and in the middle of the park, all to an excellent standard,
and while his form dipped following his suspension in February (particularly
his corners), he has certainly been one of the season's success
stories. His cross for Gera to score against Everton is one of the
most memorable moments of the season.
^ Back to Top
9
- Geoff Horsfield
Appearances: 17+11 (L), 1 (CC), 1+1 (FAC)
Goals: 4
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.20
MOMs: 1
Like many players in the squad this season, Geoff improved once
Robson took charge of the team. The Horse is by no means the most
skillful of players, but he always gives 100% and he surprised me
with his ability on more than one occasion this season. His performances
at home to Newcastle and Birmingham particularly caught the eye
when he was able to use his strength to frighten opposing defenders.
His most memorable contribution, of course, was the crucial opening
goal in the last game of the season with his first touch. He's not
always done the business, but it's hard to dislike Geoff Horsfield.
He's likely to be a squad player next season, but he's a good option
to have.
^ Back to Top
10
- Andy Johnson
Appearances: 22 (L), 1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.52
MOMs: -
Much criticised by me for much of the season, AJ was just starting
to find his form when his season was cruelly ended by injury in
the game at Fulham. His strength is his boundless energy which enables
him to hassle opposing players, but for much of the season, he contributed
little and his passing and decision making was poor. With the competition
for places in midfield, AJ may struggle to command a regular place
next season and in spite of the signs of improvement, I'm not convinced
that he has enough to perform at this level.
^ Back to Top
11
- Zoltan Gera
Appearances: 31+7 (L), 1 (CC), 3 (FAC)
Goals: 6
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.73
MOMs: 8
He was an unknown in this country when Albion signed him, but the
video that the club put on Albion World before the start of the
season certainly whetted the appetite. He was the only player to
have played a part in every single game this season, and in many
of them, he played a crucial part. He announced himself with a goal
three minutes into his full debut and thereby established himself
as a fans' favourite. Not only does he have superb technical ability
in both passing and ball control, but he also has seemingly limitless
energy and enthusiasm and the desire to give nothing up. Once or
twice during the season, the extensive travelling required to play
for Hungary caught up with him, but for most of the time he was
a joy to watch. I can only see Zoltan getting better with experience
as he has settled well and has all the right attributes. Megson's
scouting system may have been severely criticised, but he deserves
a pat on the back for finding Gera, if indeed he did.
^ Back to Top
12
- Richard Chaplow
Appearances: 3+1 (L)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 7.00
MOMs: -
It was a fantastic coup for Robbo to get Chaplow given the number
of plaudits the young midfielder was receiving. To persuade him
that Albion was a good place to come, when relegation seemed so
nailed on at the time, was a remarkable feat. He was always going
to be one for the future, but I was surprised how little he was
used. He first little cameo was in the superb game at Charlton when
he won the penalty that completed Earnie's hat-trick, and he made
his full debut at Spurs when he performed extremely well. And he
may be something of a talisman having only been involved in one
Albion defeat this season!! He looks to have good ability, strength
and a maturity that belies his young age. He has the potential to
become a real star and I expect him to feature much more next season.
^ Back to Top
12
- Scott Dobie
Appearances: 1+4 (L), 1 (CC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.40
MOMs: -
Scott served the Baggies very well since he joined the club from
Carlisle in 2001. He had been playing as a right winger for the
Cumbrians, but Megson was forced to throw him in much earlier than
planned due to a striker crisis. He scored freely early on but never
really recovered that form. He got his only goal for Albion this
season in his only start before moving to Millwall, and then linking
up with Megson again at Forest. If his notoriously fragile confidence
can survive the relegation, he'll do a good job and I wish him all
the best.
^ Back to Top
14
- Martin Albrechtsen
Appearances: 20+4 (L), 1 (CC), 3 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.37
MOMs: -
He was a surprise record signing for a few weeks when he signed
from Copenhagen in July. He never really got a regular run in the
side until February and, while he showed signs of the talent that
commanded such a price, the jury is still out. He's certainly versatile,
having played in both full back positions and the centre of defence,
and he looks to be a genuinely two-footed player. He began to look
comfortable at right back in the latter stages of the season, although
he really struggled in the game at Villa Park against Barry and
Samuel. He's been more steady than impressive, but he's young and
he should improve with experience, providing he can make one position
his own.
^ Back to Top
15
- Kieran Richardson
Appearances: 11+1 (L)
Goals: 3
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 7.00
MOMs: 2
Of the three January signings, Richardson has done most to impress.
And not only did he impress the Albion fans and management, but
he also did enough to win a place in the full England squad, albeit
due to several key players being unavailable. Having languished
in the Man Utd reserves, Kieran grabbed this opportunity with both
hands and proved what a good player he is. Although there were still
signs of inexperience, his passing was superb and his ability to
run with the ball impressive. His goal against Blackburn was sublime
and, just to prove it wasn't a fluke, he repeated it in an England
shirt four minutes into his debut. It would be a major bonus if
Albion could secure his services for another year, but whatever
happens, he played a major role in keeping the Baggies in the Premiership.
^ Back to Top
15
- Sean Gregan
Appearances: 0
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: -
MOMs: -
A few words about Greegs. I said at the time that I was surprised
by his transfer. Having been the player of the season in our first
Premiership season, I expected him to figure this time around. He
served Albion well and, while he was not universally popular, I
believe that he always gave 100%.
^ Back to Top
16
- Cosmin Contra
Appearances: 5 (L), 1 (CC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 6.17
MOMs: -
The rumour was that Contra joined the club without the knowledge
of Gary Megson, and was therefore left kicking his heels at the
start of the season. He made an uninspiring debut in the Colchester
debacle, but when Robson arrived, he was put straight into the starting
line-up, surprisingly in midfield, and set up the goal for Earnie.
He followed that up with decent performances against Arsenal and
Man Utd, and all looked set for an extended run in the side. But
then he got injured, returned and got sent off, and then went back
to Spain. An abrupt end to his Albion career - I thought he could've
done a good job had he been playing from the start of the season.
^ Back to Top
17
- Rob Hulse
Appearances: 0+4 (L), 0+1 (CC), 0+1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.29
MOMs: -
Last season, Rob never recovered from the stomach injury that afflicted
him around Christmas, and once Earnie signed, he was never going
to be among the first choice strikers. His goals in his loan spell
at Leeds proves that he hasn't lost it, and I wish him all the best.
It's a shame that it never really worked out for him at the Hawthorns.
^ Back to Top
18
- Lloyd Dyer
Appearances: 0+4 (L), 1 (CC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.60
MOMs: -
Give him time and Lloyd Dyer could do well. His few substitute appearances
indicated that he's not quite ready for the Premiership yet. He
had a loan spell at Coventry and I wouldn't be surprised to see
him go somewhere else next season. He needs games and he won't get
them at Albion just yet. After the way he performed last season,
I still believe he could be a very good player.
^ Back to Top
19
- Neil Clement
Appearances: 34 (L), 3 (FAC)
Goals: 3
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 6.68
MOMs: 5
Clem owes a lot to Gary Megson, and he now owes a lot to Bryan Robson.
We were all worried about Clem as he wasn't quite good enough as
a full back at this level - the less said about the midfield experiment
the better - but once he started playing in central defence, he
looked so much more comfortable. With the ball in front of him,
he can read the game much better and his height and strength are
obvious assets in that position. Since the turn of the year, he
has been outstanding, and it will take a very good defender to displace
him from the starting line-up next season.
^ Back to Top
20
- Artim Sakiri
Appearances: 2+1 (L)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.00
MOMs: -
I feel very sorry for Artim Sakiri. Having spent most of last season
biding his time with many saying that his game would suit the Premiership
much more, he then gets completely ignored by the man who worked
so hard to sign him. Robson gave him a chance when he came in and,
in my opinion, he did well, but the man whose opinion counts didn't
like what he saw enough, and Sakiri was back in the cold. It's tough
at the top.
^ Back to Top
21
- Kevin Campbell
Appearances: 16 (L), 1+1 (FAC)
Goals: 3
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.29
MOMs: -
Kevin Campbell makes it three out of three as far as good transfer
window signings for Mr Robson. His form on the pitch has been mixed
and his age certainly started to show as the season went on, but
I believe that his presence in the dressing room has been a huge
influence this year. If there's one criticism of Robson this season,
it is that he probably used KC too much, and maybe should have subbed
him a little earlier on occasion, but you can understand that he
would want a man with his influence out on the pitch for as long
as possible. He does have an enviable record, though - Albion haven't
lost a game in which he's scored for them.
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22
- Bernt Haas
Appearances: 9+1 (L)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.20
MOMs: -
The man with more lives than several cats, the axe finally fell
for Bernie after the match at St Andrews. He may argue that Megson
played him out of position, but this season he never got going and
I was relieved when he was put on the transfer list and then released.
His Albion highlight was his goal against Man Utd last season, but
there will be few other reasons to remember him.
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23
- James O'Connor
Appearances: 0+1 (CC), 0+1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.00
MOMs: -
O'Connor had the odd good game for the Baggies, but he never put
any sort of consistency into his performances. I hope it works out
for him at Burnley.
^ Back to Top
24
- Ronnie Wallwork
Appearances: 19+1 (L), 3 (FAC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 7.05
MOMs: 3
We all thought Sir Alex was mistaken in his assessment that Ronnie
was the best Bosman of the summer three years ago, but finally it
looks like he may have been right. The transformation in the fortunes
of Ronnie Wallwork have been nothing short of miraculous. He started
his first game for almost a year at Man City, and never looked back.
His performances as a holding midfielder have been crucial to Albion's
survival, and it meant that we didn't miss Senor Almeyda after all.
And he even managed to get his first Albion goal. Well done, Ronnie,
long may it continue.
^ Back to Top
25
- Nwankwo Kanu
Appearances: 21+7 (L), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 3
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.69
MOMs: 2
He was the signing that captured the imagination of all Baggies
fans last summer, but as many Arsenal fans suspected, he never quite
lived up to expectations. He has undoubted ability and has worked
much harder for the team than I thought he would, but strikers need
to score goals and Kanu hasn't done enough of that. His ability
to beat players can be breathtaking at times, but he was never in
the box often enough to finish off chances, but then if the miss
against 'Boro is anything to go by, you can hardly blame him. He's
probably the best technically gifted player to pull on an Albion
shirt for many years, and it is a privilege to see him play for
the Baggies, but I'd be surprised if he commanded a regular start
next term.
^ Back to Top
28
- Joe Murphy
Appearances: 0
Clean Sheets: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: -
MOMs: -
Seems to have done OK at Walsall, and I expect him to leave before
the new season starts. He's a decent 'keeper, but he's not quite
up to it at this level.
^ Back to Top
29
- Tomasz Kuszczak
Appearances: 2+1 (L), 1 (CC), 0+1 (FAC)
Clean Sheets: 1+1
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 7.00
MOMs: 1
His performance at Old Trafford will be remembered for years, and
I hope we can hold on to our Pole in Goal. He needs more experience
before he can command a regular place, which is always a tricky
thing for a reserve 'keeper. He's got time on his side, and he has
the makings of a top quality stopper.
^ Back to Top
33
- Junichi Inamoto
Appearances: 1+2 (L)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.33
MOMs: -
Signing Inamoto was one of the best pieces of business that was
done last summer and, while it hasn't really paid dividends this
season, there's every chance that it could do next season. With
a full pre-season under his belt, I suspect that we will see a fitter
and sharper Ina at the start of next term, and I expect him to challenge
for a starting place.
^ Back to Top
34
- Robert Earnshaw
Appearances: 19+12 (L), 2+1 (FAC)
Goals: 14
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.91
MOMs: -
The stats read like a success story for Earnie. In his first season
in the Premiership, he's finished as the club's top scorer with
a creditable 14 goals and he's become the first player in history
to have scored a hat-trick at every level of the professional English
game and at international level. But has he done enough? It seems
strange to be asking that question given the numbers, but Earnie
has rarely looked like a top striker despite his goalscoring feats.
He has the raw materials and I believe he will improve with experience
- for a goal-poacher, he doesn't spend enough time in the penalty
area, he needs to gamble more on balls going in and find space in
the box. I think Robbo used him well this season, although I'm sure
Earnie has been frustrated to have only started half this season's
matches, but the fact remains that he has done his best work in
short sharp spurts. It is no fluke that only once has he scored
in the second half of a game that he started, and that was against
Championship opposition. Although I would sacrifice Earnie for a
proven Premiership goalscorer, I hope he is here next season because
I do believe that he will become a top striker with a bit more experience.
^ Back to Top
Lee
Marshall
Appearances: 0
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: -
MOMs: -
It's difficult to know what to believe about the Lee Marshall situation
with regards to Gary Megson, but the little we saw of him as a player
in an Albion shirt suggested that he would have done well. He has
the distinction of being the first Albion player to score in the
Premiership, but his Hawthorns career will be remembered for his
relationship with Megson. It is always sad when a player has to
retire, and I wish Lee all the best in whatever he decides to do
next.
^ Back to Top
Manager
- Bryan Robson
Average Rating: 6.61
There is little that can be said against Bryan Robson after what
he achieved this season. He made mistakes, but they were few and
far between, but he was ultimately successful and has endeared himself
once more to the Albion faithful. His appointment may not have been
universally welcomed, and looked decidedly dodgy come Christmas,
but he made excellent signings in January and he had such a positive
impact on players such as Clement, Wallwork and Robinson. Jeremy
Peace will be rightly proud of his decision and, with King Bryan
at the helm, the club is well positioned to move forward.
^ Back to Top
Manager
- Gary Megson
Average Rating: 5.82
Gary Megson's achievements at this club cannot be understated and
he should be lauded for years to come as the man who turned West
Bromwich Albion around. Nonetheless, all good things come to an
end and it was the right time for Gary to go. His tactics proved
to be seriously flawed on several occasions and it was obvious that
the dressing room was not a happy place. I doubt whether he will
make it as a Premiership manager without a significant chance in
his approach to man management, but I sincerely wish him every success
in the future.
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