The Tesco Carrier Bags

16 August 2012
Last updated at 11:11 GMT


Reading boss, Brian McDermott, has stated that he is up for the challenge of the Premier League and is delighted that the first game of the season will come at home.

'As a newly promoted side you are expected to lose but of course we have a chance of doing better than that. West Brom will provide a tough test for us but we will work hard to ensure victory, especially with being at home it can make all the difference.'

'We are here to compete and we will not back down from the challenge, it is one that we must relish and take on board and if we play as well as I know we can there is no reason we can't upset the apple cart a little this season.'

Shane Long will return back to Reading for the first time since his move last season to the Baggies and it is a return he is looking forward too. 'Of course I am looking forward to it, it is a place that I enjoyed to play my football.'

'Though there is no time for sentiment here, I will be looking to score every chance that I get and of course that is what every striker should do. I am just hoping for a positive response to me returning and that is all I can ask.'

18 August 2012
Last updated at 17:01 GMT


West Brom turn on the style as Charlie Austin scores five goals on debut in a 6-2 win that The Baggies never looked like losing.

It was however Reading that took the lead, Pavel Pobgrebnyak scoring on his debut for Reading getting them off to a flyer. However, it was from then that things took a turn for the worst.

Charlie Austin will probably never have a game like it again, his first of of four first half goals, a peach from the edge of the area, strike partner Long passed the ball back to him and Austin unleashed a fierce drive down low into the bottom left hand corner.

One 18 minutes he was at it again, this time a cross in from Dorrans from the left finding Austin with precision accuracy. Nobody had picked up the young man who headed home with aplomb turning the game on its head in a matter of minutes.

His third came from the penalty spot, Long fouled after a corner from Morrison and Austin made no mistake to seal his hat-rick on debut within the first 30 minutes of the match. Match ball his, he continued to torment and press and he got his reward just before half time with a mistake from Leigertwood allowing Austin to take the ball around the keeper and tap home. 4-1 at half time and Austin was looking unplayable.

Reading came out and attempted to make a fist of it at the start of the second half Pobgrebnyak having what would be described as a good debut hit the woodwork, with Ben Foster stranded in the West Brom goal.

That was as close as The Royals got to the another goal before George Thorne came on for Yacob, the youngster delighted to be given a chance. Karl Robinson saying after the game that he will be looking to give the youth a chance when he can.

Austin was able to score again on the 61st minute, given time and space as he ran through from a Morrison through ball to chip the ball over the on rushing Federici to make the score 5-1. Austin was soon withdrawn, looking tired but none the less pleased with his first 65 minutes as a Premier League player.

With 10 minutes left to play, Shane Long was able to score on his old stomping ground a sharp finish from 10 yards but a played down celebration in respect of the Reading fans. Mulumbu had time to score in his own net but by then the ground was empty, as West Brom romped home with a 6-2 victory on opening day.



Karl Robinson Said: 'We showed tremendous quality and character. Going one down is never easy and so early on on the game it is difficult. We have worked hard all week though and the players knew that they would be able to get themselves back into it.'

'One goal just seemed to open the floodgates today and that was great to see, being able to score on cue almost, that is something fantastic to build on.'

'Charlie of course will be remembered for this debut but the others making their starts today really showed class and determination also.'

What a fantastic opening day of the season and what a debut for austin

I was delighted mate, biggest win on FM13 that one




19 August 2012
Last updated at 10:15 GMT


Charlie Austin has stated that his magician like start in a West Brom shirt will never happen again, though does admit that he will be looking for twenty goals at least this season.

'It is great to start that way with a new club, of course it is not something that you expect to happen. It was almost like everything I touched turned to gold, someone was smiling down on me yesterday.'

'It was great for me as well as my mum and dad were both there to see it, I saw them after the game and they were just over the moon for me, in fact probably more over the moon that I was.'

Austin came to West Brom for nearly £4m in the summer and he is also pleased that he has been able to repay the faith shown in him with a large transfer. 'I had heard that many of the fans were a little disgruntled at the large fee paid for me having never been at this level before.'

'Of course now I know I will be expected to recreate this form in every game for them but that is something not possible. I always aim for 20 goals in the season, I have just got 5 of them far quicker than I was expecting too.'

23 August 2012
Last updated at 11:33 GMT


James McClean has joined West Brom from Sunderland, becoming the final signing to be made by the West Brom boss.

Karl Robinson has told us that he will not be signing any more players and that McClean will go into contention for Saturday against another newly promoted side, Southampton.

'James is one we have been after for a while, we have had to spend just shy of £5m for him but I am sure that going forward it will be well worth it for us.'

'He wants to work hard and I have focused again on getting a younger player in that will be able to grow with the club. I doubt that he will start but he will definitely be on the bench, Yacob has an injury and Lukaku is struggling still with a slight pull, so he will feature.'

McClean was delighted with the move. 'West Brom are a club going places and I am happy to be here. They were interested in me when I moved to Sunderland but never actually made an offer to my club at the time.'

'I am happy to be here now though and after such a great win on last weekend, the lads are obviously buzzing and it is great to move to a club with a great feeling around the squad.' The Irishman will wear number 21 this season.

24 August 2012
Last updated at 16:14 GMT


Karl Robinson has called on his players to pull of another fantastic perfromance, stating the same level of play is needed to get a result against Southampton.

Southampton come to The Hawthorns high in spirit, after their opening game against Liverpool ended with them picking up a 2-0 win over the Merseyside team but Robinson does not want them to get three points against his side.

'We have worked hard all week once more and we are well aware of the great result they pulled off against Liverpool. We do not want that too happen to us and we must focus on the challenge and work hard to keep them at bay.'

Yacob will not make it through and injury, so it looks like club captain Chris Brunt will return to the starting eleven following missing out against Reading. 'Chris is in line to start, he missed out last time because of a little niggle and he wasn't quite ready but he has had a good week and has shown what he can do in training.'

'We played tremendously well in the last game, against another of the newly promoted sides and we want that same level of performance to follow us into our first home game. Our first target is to of course stay in the league and with that in mind we must beat the teams likely to finish around us.'

'The players know what is expected from them and being backed by a loud home crowd it will be fantastic for us. In fact because of our pre season tour, this is my first home game.'

25 August 2012
Last updated at 17:26 GMT


West Brom secure a home victory with a 2-0 win over Southampton at The Hawthorns enough to keep them top of the league after two games.

West Brom made the better start to the game with many superb passes reaching their intended targets but for all the possesion and fantastic play, nothing was to come of it. That was until the 8th minute when Shane Long picked up the ball on the edge of the area.

He was allowed time and space to turn and fire home to the top left hand corner of the goal, well away from the keeper Boruc, who could only stand and admire the sheer calibre of the strike.

Southampton only had to wait a few minutes for the chance to equalise, though it was a chance squandered and one that would come back to haunt them. Adam Lallana had a shot that stung the palms of keeper Foster. The ball found its way to the feet of Lambert who was 12 yards out who struck with pace only to see his effort come back off the post and into the keepers hands.

Nigel Adkins was barking orders on the touchline, knowing that the second goal would be crucial and that would fall the way of West Brom who saw Ryan Bennett score from close range with a header from a superbly whipped in corner by Dorrans.

Bennett had another chance from a corner but was unable to keep his header down, this just before half time where West Brom went in two goals to the good.

James Morrison was replaced at half time by James McClean, the former picking up a knock though thankfully nothing to serious for Karl Robinson to worry about. McClean having a good half of football, staking a claim for a starting birth against Charlton midweek.

Try as they might, West Brom could not find another, goal hero of the previous week Austin coming the closest in the second half seeing a shot from outside the area go just wide of the post.

2-0 was how it remained through till the final whistle and nobody could claim that it wasn't a win West Brom deserved.



Karl Robinson Said: 'Today was a little more laboured but you can't expect performances like last week in every game we play. Of course we could have had more but two goals and a clean sheet is fantastic.'

'Ryan was delighted to come away with a goal, a little bit of a collectors item for him though he has been doing that in training so we are happy to see him do it in a match.'

'We now focus our attention to the Capital One Cup, another tough game but one we must put the same commitment into to get the win and progression.'

Nigel Adkins Said: 'We have been taught a lesson today. Last week we worked hard for one another again Liverpool but this week we have made it too easy for West Brom.'

'Hopefully it will make the players reaslise the value of 90 minutes focus and never switching off. That is the key to our season.'

'They played really well and they are the sort of side we should be looking to emulate, small budget but pulling things off.'

28 August 2012
Last updated at 22:01 GMT


Championship Charlton Athletic gave it their all but were unable to stop West Brom making it three wins in three in all competitions with a 3-1 victory over their London counterparts.

It was however Charlton who made the best start to the game, with seasoned pro Ricardo Fuller bringing the best our of Foster having to dive low to his left to turn the ball around the post just a couple of minutes in.

The match turned scrappy, both sides trying to find a way to break one another down, Charlton seemingly with the game plan to sit and contain and try their best to hold off West Brom.

Though their attempt to do so was broken on 11 minutes as a moment of pure quality saw The Baggies take the lead. Shane Long broke from of his marker and beat another in Micheal Morrison to fire home low and hard past the helpless Hamer in the Charlton goal.

Just 4 minutes later they were able to double their lead, Charlie Austin making his first chance of the game count though there was a stroke of luck about it. He fired in a shot from ten yards out the keeper appeared to be reading it but the unlucky Jordan Cook stuck out a leg and diverted the ball past his own keeper.

West Brom proceeded to knock the tempo down a gear, knowing that they have a few big games coming up in the league but they did make it three before half time, Long adding a second with a header from a cross swung in beautifully by Morrison.

Shane Long was withdrawn at half time, along with Chris Brunt, both seemingly tired with Robinson wanting them to be rested for the Premier League games coming up. Odemwingie and Thorne on to replace them.

The second half played out in much the stalemate both sides cancelling one another out in the middle of the park, Charlton knowing that they needed to do something quickly if they wanted to get anything from the game.

They had a lifeline as Johnnie Jackson pulled a goal back tapping home from close range after a header from Foster was kept out. Jackson was first on hand and scoring in front of the Charlton fans, milked the moment.

Though that was the way it was to stay and West Brom were safely into round three of the cup.



Karl Robinson Said: 'We didn't want to change the side too much today, Popov missed out through tiredness and picking up a slight knock against Southampton but he was happy to take the rest. I thought Ridgewell that came in for him had a good game we will have to see what happens there at the weekend.'

'We were professional and did the job we had to do, we worked hard for one another and that is all you can ask. We have over come a potential slip up very well.'

'I would really like another home game but whatever happens happens and wherever we have to go we will give it our all.'

Chris Powell Said: 'West Brom are a great side and we have worked hard today but sometimes against Premier League sides, working hard just isn't enough.'

'It is something to look at for us and aspire too, we have to work much harder to get a victory. We have not enjoyed the best start to the season but it can only get better.'

31 August 2012
Last updated at 17:11 GMT


West Brom manager, Karl Robinson, will take his side to face a third round cup tie away at Carrow Road the manager happy but saying he would have preferred a home tie.

'We would have liked to be at home but of course the draw could have been much tougher. We have to work hard in all the games leading up to the cup and then see what we can do.'

'It will not be an easy game that is for sure and we will have to work to the same tempo and level to get the victory we crave.'

Tomorrow West Brom travel to London to play Fulham, Robinson looking forward to the test. 'Most would say this is the hardest game we have had to play yet. Of course that is disrespectful to the other sides we have played but I have to agree.'

'Fulham are established here and have worked their way up from nothing, it will be a tough game. We have trained well this week and the players are excited to get the game under way.'

'We know that it will be a tough one for us, Fulham are no push overs so we have to go there and make it hard for them and frustrate them. I know we can do that if we work to the best of our ability.'

1 September 2012
Last updated at 17:04 GMT


West Brom were left to wonder what if, had they been able to play the game with 11 men, as they let slip a two goal lead to draw 2-2 against Fulham this afternoon.

The first action of the game did come from the referees pocket. Jonas Olsson sent off after just 3 minutes of the match. The red card did seem a little harsh though the defender did tug at the shirt of Petric, the match official deciding that he was the last man. The unfortunate Austin having to come off so McAuley could come on at the back.

Though despite the man disadvantage the half belonged to West Brom. They battled hard not allowing time and space for Fulham. It was hard work from Brunt in the middle closing down Sidwell to play through Long who still had much to do.

The striker worked hard to beat one man and then evade the challenge of Hangeland who seemed only intent on bringing the striker down. Long though made the space for the shot and from the edge of the area unleashed one full of venom and curl as it beat Schwarzer, leaving him with no chance.

Long continued to be the thorn in the side of Fulham, working hard up front on his own to make the chances for West Brom. It was his hard work and persistence that bought his side a penalty, Hangeland sticking out a leg bringing the little striker down.

The Irishman took the spot kick himself, and struck home hard down the middle, the ball nestling in the roof of the net. He ran away to celebrate as he put the 10 men two to the good going in to half time.

Fulham did not manage a single shot on goal in the first half but from their first shot of the whole game they were level. Richardson bursting through the middle on a through ball from Sidwell to fire down low the keepers right the ball going in off the post.

Fulham thought they were level on 65 minutes but a foul on keeper, Foster, from Petric saw the goal disallowed. It was clear he had used his arms to climb up above the keeper thought hat didn't stop the protests from the players and fans alike.

The sickening blow came with just 2 minutes left to play as Petric finally got the goal his second half performance had deserved. From a few hards out he tapped home to an empty net as the West Brom players turned to the assistant looking for an offside flag that was not forthcoming.



Martin Jol Said: 'In the end we were a little lucky to get a point, even though we had the better of the second half.'

'We didn't make the man advantage count and when you have that advantage for almost the whole game you just have to question why we didn't.'

'That being said, West Brom worked hard and made sure it was not easy for us. We remain unbeaten though so I can't really complain.

Karl Robinson Said: 'To have worked hard all game and not get the three points is a little gutting but the players will learn from that and come back stronger as a result.'

'Olsson getting sent off made things much harder, it looked a little harsh but when you do things like that on the pitch you get what you deserve nowadays. He should know better.'

A brilliant continued unbeaten start, shame about chucking away the lead against Fulham but its definitely a good start, Mclean is another good signing too

Kind of had to be expected with 10 men though. Still losing a two goal lead is never pretty.

6 September 2012
Last updated at 10:16 GMT


Baggies striker Peter Odemwingie has told us that he is happy to remain patient for the time being as he has been restricted to just two substitute appearances this term.

'It is tough to break into the side.' Said Odemwingie, 'the gaffer selected a side that he thought would win on opening day and of course with a 6-2 win it is hard to break the team up then.'

'I thought I may get a chance in the cup but he likes to keep a winning mentality going and sadly I have not been a part of the side yet. I will continue to work hard though and see what I can do to get into the side.'

'The problem will be breaking past two in from strikers. I know how it is, when you are playing so well it is unfair to miss out so I just have to wait for my chance.'

Odemwingie has scored 25 league goals in 62 appearances for the club and would like to add to the tally before the season is out. 'I am sure I will get my chance and when I do I need to score goals to stay there. I believe I have a good goalscoring record for this level and I have to believe in myself to continue to do it.'

10 September 2012
Last updated at 16:51 GMT


Ben Foster is set for a lengthy absence after suffering from a torn tendon, though Baggies boss Robinson says it is much better than first feared.

'The way he was rolling around in training you would have thought he had broken his leg, it certainly looked like it anyway. Still we are going to lose him for around 5 months, which is a very long time.'

'Craig is looking forward to getting his chance though, he told me he will not let me down and will repay the faith in me for bringing him to the club.'

Gordon was happy to be getting the chance in goal but not under the circumstances surrounding his opportunity. 'You never want to see a fellow professional get an injury like that let alone a team mate.'

'It us up to me to work hard whilst Ben is out to get myself into a position that makes me number one even when he does return. I know the gaffer has faith in me or I would not be here, so I am looking forward to Swansea this weekend.'

13 September 2012
Last updated at 09:22 GMT


Zoltan Gera has yet to play a game this season, getting injured on international duty at the start of the season, though he is due to be in line for selection on Saturday against Swansea.

'I have been with Hungary this past week playing some international games I think that I have played quite well, of course that does not mean I will start this weekend.'

'I am just pleased to be back for my club, at the end of the day it is where you earn your keep and should I play any part in the game I will give everything.'

Yacob is also set to return after a short spell out on the sidelines, though Robinson hinted that they would both start on the bench. 'It is looking likely they will start on the sidelines, though things can change as there are a few tired legs from the international games this week.'

'We will see, nothing is ever set in stone for me till match day, so lets just see what comes about and what we can do.'

15 September 2012
Last updated at 17:04 GMT


Karl Robinson was left to scratch his head as his West Brom side hit the woodwork an incredible five times during their game this afternoon his side coming out as 1-0 victors.

Craig Gordon had nothing to do in a game that saw Swansea manage just one shot on target, rendering the West Brom keeper all but useless as he saw his outfield team mates work hard to secure another win.

Though incredibly this was the first defeat of the season for Swansea, many around asking the question how as West Brom tore then apart from start to finish.

Shane Long as the first to rattle the crossbar, just 5 minutes in as he saw his strike beat the keeper, Tremmel, but not bulge the back of the net.

It was then the turn of Morrison to come close, his strike from the edge of the area palmed fantastically onto the post by Tremmel and away for a corner.

The resistance was broken soon after though as with half an hour gone, Austin ghosted in behind the defence and fired in a sublime volley watching the ball over his shoulder, firing hard past the keeper and running off to celebrate, the young Englishman looking like a great buy already.

Just a couple of moment later however Danny Graham had a goal chalked off for offside, it looked a close decision and perhaps a dubious one, though the finish itself will have pleased the striker, chipping the ball delightfully over on rushing Gordon.

That however was as close as they got, the second half seeing the woodwork rattled a further three times. Two of which came within seconds, Gera firing in a low shot from the edge of the area cannoning back to the feet of fellow substitute Odemwingie who saw his shot saved onto the very same post leaving it rattling.

Austin had another chance but he too saw his shot stopped by a combination of keeper and crossbar as he got clear of the defence he fired high towards the top corner but the Swansea shot stopper stretched high to prevent him from getting a second.



Karl Robinson Said: 'I have never seen anything like it. We have hit the woodwork so many times I lost count. We never looked like losing however which is a great sign.'

'To see us create so many chances and the calibre of them too is a great thing for a manager. I don't mind missing chances when we win, of course, however even getting into a good position is a plus point.'

Michael Laudrup Said: 'I have not been offered an explanation as to why our goal was disallowed today, though with that being said we didn't deserve anything.'

'When you only have three shots on goal and one of those on target and your opposition manage twenty, you have to accept your fate.'

'The players have had a berating, they know that this level of performance is not acceptable and we will work on this in training next week.'

20 September 2012
Last updated at 09:22 GMT


James McClean will not have to wait long to get a taste of facing his former club, as his new West Brom side come up against his old employers Sunderland.

Sunderland are bottom on the league having lost all four of their Premier League games so far this season with West Brom top and unbeaten. McClean tells us he is pleased to have gotten out when he did.

'It is clear that I left at the right time. West Brom are a team going places and I am pleased to be up at the right end of the league. I do feel sorry for Sunderland though as they are much better than their position says.'

'However there will be no sentiment on Saturday, we need the win just as much as they do. We may be battling near the top at the moment but of course things can change quickly in football so we won't get complacent and take our foot off the gas.'

'I would love to get a goal this weekend, that would be really sweet, though of course I will go out there and give it my all and just see what happens. The performance of the team is more important than mine on an individual level.'

As always brilliant writing buddy, keeps me entertained at work reading through each and every update so keep them coming! Good result against the Swans looks like you truly pressed them throughout!

Thanks again mate, really pleased you are still reading. I am going to be writing a lot tonight between the game on Sky so will update lots after it.

22 September 2012
Last updated at 16:59 GMT


Shane Long was on hand to score a hat-rick as West Brom romped home in style following a superb 4-0 win at home to Sunderland.

The Baggies who were looking to make it five unbeaten did not disappoint, though the ultimate display did take 20 minutes to get going in full swing. Sunderland holding West Brom at bay but only managing to hoof the ball clear to a player in blue and white.

Eventually a complete defensive mix up allowed Shane Long to ghost in and finish with style low to the keepers left. He wheeled away to celebrate with his fans and didn't have to wait long for his second to appear.

This time a fantastically time run and equally superb through ball from former Black Cat, McClean were the undoing of the away side who could only watch as the in form striker put the ball into the back of the net with consummate ease and it was clear that he was hungry for more.

The second half began and Sunderland tried hard to get a foot hold in the game though everything that they were doing was matched by the much more hungry West Brom side eager to chase down everything giving them no chance, not even a sniff.

Eventually it was a goal of skill and composure that ended the game as a contest. Mingolet came out to the right hand touchline to clear the ball only to find the clearance land at Morrison's feet who steadied himself to fire home from the half way line. Needless to say his manager delighted with the brilliance of the goal as well as those in the stands.

There was still time for Long to complete his hat-rick and take home the match ball however as he scuffed home a shot from just inside the area, bamboozling the keeper and defence alike to see the ball nestle in the bottom corner.

The Baggies continued to press and substitute Odemwingie had a chance to make it five as his shot headed for the top corner was brilliantly saved by the Sunderland shot stopper tipping just over the bar.



Karl Robinson Said: 'We have been thoroughly superb today. It was the ultimate in professionalism. We worked hard for one another, restricted them to no chances and took plenty ourselves. As a manager it is the best performance you will ever see.'

'We all know the danger than Shane poses to opposition defences. Him and Charlie work so hard up there and to be able to throw on Odemwingie at any time too is a joy for me, a complete luxury.'

'Our next game is in the cup and we look forward to it, with every intention of the win and keeping our confidence high.'

Martin O'Neill Said: 'We look rooted to the bottom with no hope at this moment in time. We have managed one shot in the whole game and that wasn't even on target.'

'It is so frustrating, the players do so well in training yet they get on the pitch against other opposition than themselves and then all of a sudden they freeze.'

'We can't go on like this or it will be curtains, I back the players to get out of the mess though they need to do this sooner rather than later.'

24 September 2012
Last updated at 09:22 GMT


Former Norwich City player, Ryan Bennett has spoken up stating 'he will not leave Carrow Road without a win' when his new side West Brom face them in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday evening.

'Needless to say I would be delighted to get a win.' Said Bennett speaking about the tie midweek. 'Since the new manager came in he made it clear to me that I was not in his plans, so I was delighted that West Brom could arrange a deal to get me.'

'I would love nothing more than to come away from Carrow Road with a win and anything less would be failure in my eyes.'

'As of yet we have not lost a game and of course we want to keep that run of form going. Winning breeds confidence and I know what it is like to be in a confident side in my time at Peterborough and the promotion that we achieved.'

'Of course the cup is a little different and as a player has much of a different feeling about it but we will work just as hard to make sure we pick up the win.'

22 September 2012
Last updated at 16:59 GMT


West Brom were made to fight hard following a 4-3 win over Norwich in the Capital One Cup, securing a passage into the next round.

Norwich were perhaps a tougher standard of opponent than The Baggies were expecting, the home side racing out of the traps early to try and secure an early lead. Though everything that the home side threw at them, Craig Gordon was level too.

In fact it was the away side that would take the lead, following their first shot on goal, a state of pinball started inside the box but it was James McClean on hand to add the vital touch and slot home from close range.

West Brom were dealt a hammer blow on the 34th minute as keeper Craig Gordon went down in the area following a goal kick and had to be replaced by Luke Daniels. The keeper has been sitting on the bench since the Foster injury but never would have expected to appear in goal.

The youngsters first thing to do was pick the ball out of the net, as on 42 minutes Simeon Jackson was on hand to slot home from midway inside the area after a great through ball from Grant Holt.

Everybody would have expected that to be the score at half time but it was not to be as the home side suffered a lack of concentration and Shane Long was able to grab a goal from inside the 6 yard box, heading from from a corner after being left unmarked.

The second half began much the same as the first though this time Norwich were able to make the chances they were creating pay as Jackson once more was at hand to add his second of the game and bring the scores level.

Norwich continued to have the lions share of the ball but as is seemingly the case at the moment one mistake and West Brom will be at hand to punish you and that proved to be the case again.

One 62 minutes Shane Long struck the ball home from just outside the area to make the scoreline 3-2. He was visibly delighted with the strike and ran straight off to celebrate with the West Brom fans.

More hard work from West Brom carved out the fourth, though this time it was brilliant team play that did it. Chris Brunt making the final killer pass to substitute Peter Odemwingie who tucked home is first of the season to surely make West Brom home and dry with just 5 minutes to play.

There was however time for Simeon Jackson to complete his hat-rick latching on to a fantastically weighted through ball from the back as he slotted home past Daniels. Though this was too little too late and West Brom were able to celebrate another win and with it progression to the next round.



Chris Hughton Said: 'We have been really unlucky today to not collect the win. West Brom took their chances much better than we did and that was the telling factor.'

'Of course we are disappointed to go out of the cup like this but it does give us a chance to look elsewhere and make ourselves perform better in the league without the need for distractions.'

Karl Robinson Said: 'We certainly had lady luck on our side today, we were made to work hard to get that win and quite honestly we were a little lucky.'

'That said when you lose your keeper in the first half you perhaps need that little bit of luck to go your way. We pushed on well after that set back and Daniels has come in and done well for himself.'

Norwich Line Up: Bunn, Teixeira (Sub Barnett 45 mins), Turner, Bassong, Wiggins, Bennett (Sub Surman 45 mins), Howson, Tettey, Pilkington (Sub Johnson 66 mins), Holt, Jackson

Unused Substitutes: Ruddy, Butterfield, Hoolahan, Martin

West Brom Line Up: Gordon (Sub Daniels 34 mins), Blind, McAuley, Bennett, Popov (Sub Ridgewell 81 mins), Morrison, Brunt, Mulumbu, McClean, Austin (Sub Odemwingie 45 mins), Long

Unused Substitutes: Tamas, Yacob, Dorrans, Gera

Good win over Sunderland and narrow victory over Norwich, it does need a new heading though as its got the same one as the sunderland win! but fantastic work continued

Just noticed, obviously missed it in my haste! Thanks pal will change now!

Published
13.05 28th September 2012

Karl Robinson looks forward to the toughest test of the season as he prepares to take his side to Old Trafford to do battle.

West Brom are looking to make it six unbeaten in the league, though of course this will be a tough ask. All the challenges that have preceded this for young boss Robinson will compare nothing to the 75,000 seater Old Trafford where he must look to do the impossible.

On the plus side, The Baggies will go there in high spirit following a 4-3 win yesterday over Norwich and speaking to Albion Player Robinson said. 'We were a little laboured yesterday though games do start to catch up with you.'

'Perhaps a couple of them did have the game this weekend on their mind, if that is the case then it is unforgivable. The boys have trained this morning but have the afternoon off because of playing yesterday.'

'Lets be under no illusion, this is the toughest test that we have had so far and are likely to have all season. If you were to ask most teams they don't want to play Manchester United at Old Trafford.'

'We will go there though and do our best and who knows we may be able to nick a result. It won't be easy but I want every fan going there to know that we will never give up.'

West Brom currently sit first in the Premier League, though a win for United will knock them off that pedestal. Robinson told us, 'We are top, yes. It is nice to see it when you look at the table but of course we have to remember this is the Premier League, against top quality opposition. If we win the league over the likes of United, City and so on then we will be in a dream.'

'My aim this season is to just finish well away from the drop and see how close we can get to Europe, the players know that. We have to be realistic with our ambition and know that we are still a relatively small fish, that small fish needs to grow gradually.'

West Brom have also had their game on the 6th October bought forward to a 12.15 kick off as The Baggies do battle at Stamford Bridge live on Sky Sports.

I know I comment on this alot, but you never seize to amaze me, another fantastic update that, nice layout and header!

Cheers buddy, Wanted to try some different styles and there will be plenty more to come!

28 September 2012
Last updated at 17:11 GMT


Manchester United will look to make it five wins from five as they set to do battle with West Brom tomorrow. However, Sir Alex Ferguson, know it will be a tough test.

'You only have to look at their record so far this season. It will not be as easy as everyone is making it out to be. I have told my players that but they are professional enough to put in a performance anyway.'

'The slightest error will be picked up by them, they work hard for one another and our scout has told us that this is not going to be easy by any means.'

Manchester United are the only side with a 100% record this season so far and have played a game less than everyone else and Sir Alex sees that as an advantage.

'We are a game behind everyone else and that is an advantage to us. We can see what the teams around us are doing and we will work hard to stay as a 100% team as long as we can do.'

The United boss was also complementary of young manager Robinson who he faces tomorrow afternoon saying he has stepped up to the next level with consummate ease.

'He is only a young guy and he has worked hard to get where he is now. It is pleasing to see young managers from this country get a chance in the top level of the game and although it may be early days he is doing a good job. It is just a shame he is from Liverpool' Ferguson joked.

Sunderland will host Newcastle as the North East giants do battle in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup.

Newcastle boss, Alan Pardew, was delighted with the draw and said it added a little extra spice to the cup for his team. 'You love to play your rivals, it makes for a great game.'

'The fans will be right up for it too which is key, it is just shame it had to be away from home. We will go there full of confidence though as we look to get through to the next round, it will be a tremendous cup tie.'

Blackpool will travel to The Hawthorns as the lowest ranked side will do battle with currently the highest ranked. Blackpool have not had a the best of starts to the season but will look to cause an upset as they travel to the Midlands.

The draw in full:

29 September 2012
Last updated at 17:05 GMT


Robin Van Persie was the star of the show, scoring twice, as Manchester United disposed of West Brom with relative ease winning the game 3-1.

Manchester United came flying out of the traps to try and get an early goal, Nani the tormentor as Popov struggled to deal with his pace and trickery trying hard to prevent crosses coming into the box. Thankfully for West Brom, when they did they were usually headed over.

Though the wait for the first goal didn't take long for the home side as Van Persie scored his first of the game. He saw his original shot saved by keeper Gordon, who was unable to get up quick enough to stop the rebound though he had questions to ask of his defence who stood and watch as Van Persie got a second bite of the cherry.

West Brom came back into the game a little after that sparking a mini revival, Austin however fluffing his only chance of the game high and wide, perhaps a little in awe of the surroundings he was in.

Shane Long however did draw the sides level. After slipping past Ferdinand like he was not there he unleashed a strike worthy of Old Trafford, Lindegaard left to stand and watch as the ball swerved in the air to fly in off the crossbar.

Had The Baggies then been able to keep the lead for any length of time the game my have been different but not 40 seconds after the kick off had veteran Giggs been given the time and space to score a fabulous curling effort down low where the keeper couldn't reach.

The second half carried no weight at all for West Brom, seemingly content to try and snatch a goal on the break sitting back to soak up United pressure. Manchester United huffed and puffed but were unable to break West Brom down again and it was Shane Long that nearly slotted home a second for him and his side, only to see his strike go out for a goal kick off the post.

This sparked the home team to life, Rooney coming close a number of times, though his strikes going either just wide of the goal or being well saved in the goal by Gordon.

Van Persie however was left unmarked from a corner and powered home from close range to put the result beyond doubt making the scoreline an unflattering 3-1 that in truth could have been a lot more.



Sir Alex Ferguson Said: 'We have bossed the game from start to finish. It was a very professional display from my side who knew it would not be easy but we have made it look so.'

'West Brom on another day perhaps would have been more at the races but an unchanged side from midweek helped us out no end, they looked a little tired towards the end.'

'3-1 perhaps is as little as we deserved and we could have had more but their keeper was fantastic today and did well to keep them in the game.'

Karl Robinson Said: 'Today is a lesson in that we have been doing to others, fall asleep and don't play to the best of your ability and you will be punished.'

'We tried our best though, it just wasn't to be but it does give the players something to aspire to and reach for. Eventually if we want to be the best we will have to beat the best but we are not ready for the just yet.'

'I am delighted for Shane getting a goal at Old Trafford though, he will savour that for some time and I am sure we can build on this and have a better display next week against Chelsea.'

Man U Line Up: Lindegaard, Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick (Sub Scholes 72 mins(sub Jones 76 mins), Nani (Sub Valencia 82 mins), Rooney, Giggs, Van Persie

Unused Substitutes: De Gea, Hernandez, Ago, Welbeck

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind, McAuley, Bennett, Popov, Morrison (Sub Dorrans 45 mins), Brunt, Mulumbu, McClean, Austin (Sub Odemwingie 70 mins), Long

Unused Substitutes: Daniels, Tamas, Yacob, Ridgewell, Gera