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1
- Russell Hoult
Appearances: 0+1 (L), 1 (CC)
Clean Sheets: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.00
MOMs: 0
Russell Hoult has served West Bromwich Albion well, but we may
well have seen his last game in an Albion shirt. That statement
could be in doubt given that there is a possibility that both
Kirkland and Kuszczak could start next season away from the Hawthorns,
but even that is unlikely to save Hoult from a Hawthorns exit.
A loan spell at Nottingham Forest was cut short when Kirkland
got injured, but he was fortunate to get one Premiership appearance
by being on the bench when Kuszczak suffered an injury at Fulham
- Kirkland was ill. In truth, Russell has not been the same 'keeper
since he suffered a back injury last season and, at 34, the seems
little chance that he will rediscover his best form.
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2
- Riccardo Scimeca
Appearances: 2 (L), 1+1 (CC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.25
MOMs: 0
Scimeca was always going to be on the fringe of the squad once
Robson signed Steve Watson, who offers the same flexibility in
positions as Riccy but is vastly more experienced and is a better
all-round player. Scimeca finally joined Cardiff on a free transfer
in January following a successful loan spell and his departure
was hardly noticed.
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3
- Paul Robinson
Appearances: 33 (L), 2 (CC), 1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 8
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 6.59
MOMs: 0
A string of impressive performances last season and early this
season led Bryan Robson to suggest that Paul Robinson should be
considered for England given the injury problems that Cole and
Bridge were experienced, but his occasional rashness means that
he is unlikely ever to make it to international level. Robinson
is an excellent defender, but the single-mindedness and self-belief
that has got him to the position of being comfortable at Premiership
level can be his downfall. His belief that he will win every challenge
has left him with a string of red an yellow cards that has spoiled
a decent season, not to mention a few dreadful errors that have
cost Albion goals.
His commitment can never be questioned and he is the one Albion
player you always know you will get 100% from - if he can add
a little cool-headedness to the fire in his heart, he could be
one of the best. I'm not holding my breath, though.
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4
- Thomas Gaardsoe
Appearances: 7 (L), 2 (CC), 1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 5.63
MOMs: 0
As good as Tommy was last season, it was clear early on this season
that something was missing. Whether the injury that he has been
struggling with all season is to blame for his poor form, I'm
not sure, but having been under the knife since the end of the
season, we call wait to see how he will perform back in the second
tier of English football. If he can reproduce the form that saw
him win my Player of the Season two years ago, he will be a huge
asset.
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5
- Williams Martinez
Appearances: 1+1 (L)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.50
MOMs: 0
You have to feel sorry for Martinez. He's brought over from Uruguay
on the advice of Daniel Fonseca but fails to get any real chance
in the first team, apparently because of a language problem. And
then, when he does get a chance, he's put in an unfamiliar left
wing back role in Albion's worst defeat of the season. But then
he caps it all with a goal on his first start for the club, in
the last game of the season, and spoils by giving away a penalty
with a rash challenge in the last minute.
It's difficult to know whether Robson's decision to release him
was the right one given the amount we have seen him, but his lack
of opportunity meant that it was always on the cards despite his
last day heroics. One does have to question the logic of bringing
him to the Hawthorns in the first place.
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6
- Neil Clement
Appearances: 29+2 (L), 3 (CC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.00
MOMs: 1
It's nearly six years since Neil Clement first joined Albion on
loan from Chelsea in 2000, and he still seems unable to quite
fulfil the promise he has always shown. His conversion to a centre
back last season seemed to have been a revelation, but he has
struggled to match those performances this season despite having
the steady rock of Curtis Davies alongside him. Moreover, one
huge part of his game, scoring from free kicks, seems to have
disappeared from his game. His last successful free kick was the
deflected effort at Blackburn on the opening day of last season.
His form this season has been very up and down mainly due to a
lack of concentration and, while I think he should be an asset
in the Championship next season, he is likely to be little more
than a squad player should we return to the Premiership.
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7
- Nigel Quashie
Appearances: 9 (L)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 6.11
MOMs: 1
We will never know whether Nigel Quashie could have been the signing
to keep Albion up. The signs from his debut against Blackburn
were good, but that moment of madness against Middlesbrough denied
Albion of his services for five crucial games, and played a part
in condemning Quashie to his second successive relegation. Nigel
has the ability to be a huge asset to Albion but he needs to cut
out those red mist moments that have marred his career so far.
He is a strong skilful midfielder that should perform well in
the Championship next season, and he certainly has a lot to make
up for in the eyes of the Baggies faithful. Let's hope he can
do it.
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8
- Jonathan Greening
Appearances: 37+1 (L), 1 (CC), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 2
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.40
MOMs: 5
Despite opening his Albion account against Wigan, Jonno had a
poor first half of the season as he struggled to reproduce the
excellent crosses that gave him the best record of assists outside
the top three Premiership clubs last season. However, his form
in the last few months of the season was much improved, although
the poor form of the strikers meant that it was not enough to
alter the final outcome. If he stays, he will be one of the best
crossers of the ball in the Championship and should play a major
part in Albion's promotion push.
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9
- Geoff Horsfield
Appearances: 10+8 (L), 1 (CC), 0+1 (FAC)
Goals: 4
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.06
MOMs: 2
Having scored the vital first goal on Survival Sunday, the Horse
started this season by scoring Albion's first four goals before
his form dropped. He eventually lost his place and didn't regain
it until Kanu and Kamara had departed to the ACN in January. He
put in a couple of good performances before Jeremy Peace received
an offer from Sheffield United that he felt he could not turn
down for a 32-year-old and he was on his way back up north.
His treatment by Neil Warnock since he arrived there has been
shoddy and I hope that Geoff can get his career back on track.
He has always given his all for every club he has played for and
he will be fondly remembered at the Hawthorns. His departure was
shrouded with controversy and many will argue that Geoff could
have made the difference in scoring the goals to keep Albion up,
but it is never that clear cut.
I was sorry to see him go, but I understand why he went. Good
luck in future, Geoff.
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10
- Andy Johnson
Appearances: 8 (L)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.75
MOMs: 0
You always know what you will get from Andy Johnson, but the surprise
was that we got as much as we did this season. His early season
form showed that he was not about to turn in to the quality battling
midfielder we desperately needed and he was relegated to the sidelines.
Uncomplaining and hard working, he was rewarded by a couple of
surprise recalls in the second half of the season, but the reality
of the situation is that he is likely to leave the Hawthorns this
summer, with his home town of Bristol the likely destination.
AJ has been a great servant to the club, his commitment never
in doubt, only his ability. I wish him all the best.
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11
- Zoltan Gera
Appearances: 12+3 (L), 0+1(FAC)
Goals: 3
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.19
MOMs: 0
It has been a nightmare season for the Magic Magyar, and it would
be hugely unfair on Albion fans if it is to be his last at the
Hawthorns. His absence from the side for much of the season is
one of the biggest reasons why Albion will not be playing Premiership
football next season. He was such a huge influence on Albion last
season that the effect of his being out of the side cannot be
underestimated. His performance against Everton on the last day
of the season was a glimpse of what Albion had been missing.
I'm sure that Gera will want to stay at the Hawthorns, but the
question is whether the pressure to play in the top flight from
his sponsors and his agent will come to bear. All Albion fans
wait anxiously for the answer.
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12
- Richard Chaplow
Appearances: 4+3 (L), 1+2 (CC), 1 (FAC)
Goals: 2
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.56
MOMs: 1
I was surprised that Chappers failed to really figure this season,
especially given Albion's problems in finding a consistent central
midfield combination. After scoring twice in the FA Cup game at
Reading, he went out on loan to Southampton where he was, by all
reports, pretty impressive. He has returned to the Hawthorns determined
to fight his way into the first team, which shows an excellent
attitude, and I expect him to figure more regularly next season.
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13
- Jan Kozak
Appearances: 4+2 (L)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.17
MOMs: 0
Although he looked good on the ball, Kozak was ultimately deemed
not up to the demands of Premiership football, particularly in
terms of the speed of the game. In a relegation fight, he was
never going to be given the time to settle into life in this toughest
of leagues and, as with Martinez, one has to question the wisdom
of bringing him to the club in the first place.
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14
- Martin Albrechtsen
Appearances: 26+5 (L), 2 (CC), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 6.36
MOMs: 1
It's fair to say that Alby has not really lived up to his considerable
fee although he has been a valuable member of the squad. His pace
has offered one of the few attacking outlets for Albion this season
and his defending has generally been steady. It's difficult to
believe that he will make a top class defender, but he is still
young and has time to improve, and will certainly be an asset
in the Championship.
However, if the comments attributed to him regarding his desire
to stay in the Premiership are correct, it certainly puts a huge
question mark over his commitment to the club.
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15
- Diomansay Kamara
Appearances: 21+5 (L), 3 (CC)
Goals: 2
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.31
MOMs: 1
Pacy, skilful, but woeful in front of goal would adequately sum
up Joe's season. He scored a wonderful goal to cap a wonderful
performance against Man City in December, but most Albion fans
are likely to remember his failure to convert a gilt-edged chance
at St Andrew's. Kamara has a devastating turn of speed and some
wonderful skills, but in terms of end product he is sorely lacking.
He has youth on his side, and certainly has great potential, but
he must realise it soon if he is to be a success.
If he is up for a season in the Championship, it could well do
him a lot of good as he is likely to have far more chances against
poorer defences - chances to hone his finishing skills.
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16
- Steve Watson
Appearances: 28+2 (L), 1 (CC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.23
MOMs: 0
There is little doubt that Watson has been an asset to the club
this season, even if his performances have not always been good
enough. His experience and versatility have been very useful although
his occasional lapses have been costly. It's difficult to put
a finger on where Steve has gone wrong other than the two key
words for defenders - consistency and concentration. Some of his
mistakes should not be committed by a player of his experience,
but commit them he has. On the other hand, he has put in some
great performances, both at right back and in central midfield.
He may have the option to play in the Premiership next season
and, while he would be a useful player to have around next season,
it would be not disaster should he be allowed to move on.
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17
- Darren Carter
Appearances: 11+9 (L), 3 (CC), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.70
MOMs: 0
The subject of Darren Carter is one that is sure to spark debate
amongst any group of Albion fans. He will always be a hero for
Blues fans having scored the penalty that secured their promotion
in 2002, and many were sorry to see him go, but despite the wonderful
winner against Arsenal, Albion fans do not hold him in the same
high esteem. Gera's extended absence meant that Carter got most
of his opportunities on the left wing, a position that he was
clearly uncomfortable in playing. It was no coincidence that Carter's
best performances, such as the one against Spurs in December,
were when he played in a more central position
He is young enough that he can recover from this disappointing
season, and an extended spell in a central midfield position is
what he needs to win over the fans. He should get a chance next
season.
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18
- Lloyd Dyer
Appearances: 0+1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.00
MOMs: 0
After several loan spells and a solitary substitute appearance
in the FA Cup, it was no surprise to see Lloyd Dyer sold to Millwall
before his contract there was cancelled for family reasons. Albion
fans will fondly remember his impact in the latter stages of the
2003-2004 season and wish him well for the future.
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19
- Curtis Davies
Appearances: 33 (L), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 2
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.79
MOMs: 9
Curtis Davies was a big surprise signing on the last day of the
transfer window last summer, and he has been the one unqualified
successful signing for Bryan Robson this season. He took to Premiership
football immediately and has been a rock at the centre of the
Albion defence ever since with a string of impressive performances.
At 21, he is not yet the finished article and did make one or
two errors during the season, but he has the potential to be an
England regular in the future.
A big bid could prise him away from the Hawthorns this summer,
but if Albion can hold onto him, he will be a major part of Albion's
promotion push next season.
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20
- Chris Kirkland
Appearances: 10 (L), 2 (FAC)
Clean Sheets: 1
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 7.50
MOMs: 3
The season started so well for Chris Kirkland. The move to Albion
seemed to have given him the opportunity to play regularly and
a number of excellent displays had won him a place in the England
squad once more. But then, injury struck once again just before
another England friendly, and The Pole in Goal managed to establish
himself as the Albion Number 1. A broken finger late on in the
season has further strengthened his reputation as an injury jinx.
His future is uncertain as Liverpool have said he can leave and
he has apparently had offers from Premiership clubs. He is unlikely
to want to spend another season as second fiddle to Kuszczak,
so he may look to move elsewhere. He remains an excellent 'keeper,
and will surely one day get that elusive England cap.
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21
- Kevin Campbell
Appearances: 19+10 (L), 0+1 (CC), 0+1 (FAC)
Goals: 3
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.61
MOMs: 0
Campbell emerged this season as a hate figure for some Albion
fans - a symbol of all that has been wrong with Robson's management
this season. Often ineffective, it is easy to see why KC has been
unpopular, and his dressing room presence so lauded last season
does not appear to have had the same effect this term. For all
that, Campbell has produced some good displays this season even
if his goal tally is nowhere near what it should be, but he was
used far more than he should have been.
Nonetheless, he has always given his best and his attitude is
always first class. Whether he will feature in the playing squad
next season, I'm not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised to see
him offered a coaching role of some sort.
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22
- Nathan Ellington
Appearances: 15+16 (L), 2 (CC), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 8
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 5.94
MOMs: 0
The Duke joined in late August as one of the top strikers outside
the top division - a season at the Hawthorns has done little to
enhance his reputation. Personally, I believe Ellington has the
capability of scoring goals at any level, but like many strikers,
he is a confidence player, and he has struggled to score in a
struggling side when he is only getting one or two chances a game.
The longer the scoreless streak went on, the greater the pressure
and the more difficult it became.
Noone outside the club knows the exact circumstances surrounding
his toe injury, and his apparent unwillingness to play against
Bolton, but the affair hardly made the Duke many friends amongst
Albion fans. Rumours of his desire to return to Wigan have not
helped the situation either, but if he is still around come August,
I will be giving him my full support because I believe he can
be a great goalscorer for the Baggies.
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23
- Robert Earnshaw
Appearances: 4+8 (L), 2+1 (CC), 1 (FAC)
Goals: 3
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.07
MOMs: 0
The Earnie argument ran and ran and continues to divide Albion
fans five months after he left the club. My opinion is that he
was perhaps not given enough of a chance this season, but his
attitude was highly unprofessional. His game had its flaws, and
not just in relation to his workrate off the ball. His movement
and anticipation in the box was lacking at times which meant that
he failed to get into the right position often enough - he should
have scored more goals than he did. Personally, I think Robson
should have accepted defeat in his fight to keep him much earlier
than he did, which would have perhaps yielded a good bid earlier
in the window, allowing time to find a replacement.
But it is all water under the bridge, and suffice to say thanks
for your goals last season, Earnie, see you next season. I'm sure
he'll manage to find the net against us!!
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24
- Ronnie Wallwork
Appearances: 31 (L), 2 (CC), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 11
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.79
MOMs: 7
Ronnie was a target for the boo boys again early on in the season
as his form dropped from the heights he achieved last year. Robson
certainly should have dropped him earlier, but after a couple
of games out, Ronnie returned to perform much like he did last
season and became one of the most consistent performers once more.
The one dramatic change in Ronnie's game has been the number of
bookings he has picked up. It seems that in an attempt to be a
little more aggressive, he has incurred the wrath of the referees
and suffered two suspensions this season as a result.
Nonetheless, it was generally another great season for Ronnie
after those early season wobbles.
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25
- Nwankwo Kanu
Appearances: 17+8 (L), 1+1 (CC), 1 (FAC)
Goals: 6
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.59
MOMs: 3
For me, it seems that Kanu finally got his head around what it
takes to play for a struggling side. Having always played for
sides used to winning, I think the Nigerian found it difficult
to adjust to not winning quite as often. But this season, he produced
his best form for Albion and my main regret is that he wasn't
used often enough. His absence during January was a big loss,
but I do feel that Robson should have used Kanu in place of Campbell
far more frequently as, in tight games, Kanu is the sort of player
that can produce that bit of magic that can win the game; and
without Gera, he's been about the only one that has that ability.
The odds are that Kanu will depart for pastures new this summer,
but as I write, talks are still ongoing. If there is someway we
can keep him at the Hawthorns, he would be a major asset next
season.
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26
- Rob Davies
Appearances: 0+1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 7.00
MOMs: 0
A single first team appearance in the defeat to Reading is a step
forward for the young midfielder - it remains to be seen whether
he is good enough to push for a more regular squad place next
season.
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28
- Jared Hodgkiss
Appearances: 0+1 (L), 1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.50
MOMs: 0
Young right back Hodgkiss looked entirely at home on both occasions
that he played for the first team this season, and he looks like
an excellent prospect. I expect him to be far more involved next
term.
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29
- Tomasz Kuszczak
Appearances: 28 (L), 2 (CC)
Clean Sheets: 8
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.59
MOMs: 2
Tommy can count himself a little unlucky not be first first choice
at the beginning of the season following his impressive performances
in the tail end of the previous one, but once he got his chance,
he grabbed hold of it with both hands. The error at White Hart
Lane aside, he had a fantastic season and deservedly won the BBC
Save of the Season Competition with that amazing stop to deny
Jason Roberts in the dying minutes of the match at the JJB. His
form has won him a place in the Polish World Cup squad ahead of
Jerzy Dudek and has apparently attracted the interest of Sir Alex
Ferguson. We all hope our Pole in Goal will stay a Baggie and
perhaps challenge for Russell Hoult's clean sheet record next
season!!
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31
- Stuart Nicholson
Appearances: 0+4 (L), 0+1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.20
MOMs: 0
Stuart Nicholson's goalscoring record in the reserves earned him
a first team call up which has resulted in him making five first
team appearances, all in difficult situations. He has not disgraced
himself at all, and has shown an abundance of pace and enthusiasm
and not lack of footballing intelligence with some excellent movement.
Next season could be a big one for him.
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33
- Junichi Inamoto
Appearances: 16+6 (L), 2 (CC), 2 (FAC)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: 6.38
MOMs: 3
Albion's second representative in this summer's World Cup, Ina
has had a mixed season. He did not deserve to be frozen out after
a good opening day performance at Man City, and a decent display
at Chelsea, but Robson asked him to improve certain aspects of
his game and the Japanese international got his head down and
worked hard. That hard work was rewarded with a recall for the
game against his old club in the Carling Cup which he ran from
start to finish and won with an amazing strike in extra time.
Other than that, Ina produced mixed performances, sometimes excellent,
sometimes anonymous, which must have been supremely frustrating
for the manager.
He's asked to be given some form a guarantee of first team football
next season which, with Carter, Chaplow, Quashie and Wallwork
all fighting for two central midfield places, he is unlikely to
get. I would not, therefore, be surprised to see Ina move on in
the summer.
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Darren
Moore
Appearances: 3+2 (L), 3 (CC), 1 (FAC)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 1
Average Rating: 5.29
MOMs: -
It was a shame that Big Dave's Albion career should have finished
with such a dreadful moment, but noone will ever forget the fantastic
impact he had on the club and community in his time at the Hawthorns.
He was never really up to it this season from footballing viewpoint,
but his presence at the club is sorely missed.
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Jason
Koumas
Appearances: 0
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Average Rating: -
MOMs: 0
A successful loan period at Cardiff looks likely to have secured
JK's permanent move away from the Hawthorns although, at the time
of writing, Cardiff seem reluctant to part with the agreed fee.
Robson has said that Koumas would be welcome back at the Hawthorns
should the deal not take place, but it would seem unlikely that
such feelings would be reciprocated. Personally, I would welcome
a properly motivated and professional Koumas back at the Hawthorns
as he is an amazingly skilful player, but he would need to eat
a large slice of humble pie to make that happen which he has so
far been unable to do. His desire to be a big fish in a small
pond looks likely to win the day.
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Manager
- Bryan Robson
Average Rating: 6.40
The euphoria of last season is long forgotten and Bryan Robson's
performance has come under close scrutiny this season. Failed
squad rotation, defensive tactics and an apparent inability to
drop players who were underperforming are valid criticisms that
can be levelled at Albion's manager this season. His performance
in the transfer market can also be questioned, as can his ability
to deal with problem players such as Robert Earnshaw. It is very
difficult to argue that Robson has done a good job this season,
but Jeremy Peace has decided that he hasn't done a bad enough
one to merit his dismissal.
I maintain that Albion have played some great football under Robson
and produced some superb performances this season - the biggest
problem has been consistency. Robson will get my full support
next season - I believe he deserves the chance to put right what
went wrong this season.
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