The Tesco Carrier Bags

Your form is still fantastic buddy! The run surely has to end soon! Can't have you winning the league first season can we :p

I would expect to lose form soon, I have a very small team so they have to get tired sooner or later.

24 December 2012
Last updated at 09:39 GMT


Andre Villas-Boas will take his Tottenham side to The Hawthorns on Boxing Day, but admits that he is very impressed with what they are doing this season and that the game will be a tough one.

Spurs find themselves eight points behind West Brom but that just equates to a position in the league. Villas-Boas knows the victory is vital as they do also have a game in hand.

'We realise that they have not lost at home yet all season and so it is going to be tough. They have something very impressive going on there and you can but fail to be very much captivated by the wonderful story they are creating this season.'

'They have had good games against some top sides and we do not want to be added to the list of teams that they have got points off.'

Villas-Boas knows that a performance from star man Bale is key for their success and will look to the Welshman to provide inspiration for his side.

'Gareth has been superb this season but is yet to score, he has worked hard this week in training so hopefully that will change for him.'

'He is the key player for us, if he performs then it is almost in every game the whole team do also so hopefully we can come away with a win and catch them up a little bit.'

26 December 2012
Last updated at 19:19 GMT


Tottenham were on hand to inflict only the second defeat of the West Brom season taking the game 2-1 in what was a thrilling encounter.

Neither of the players looked like showing any sign of a post Christmas hangover as the sides played out the game of the weekend, with chance after chance created in a captivating match between two on the countries top sides.

In truth the game could have gone either way and although Spurs went away with the victory they will have known that they were in a game with a tough team not prepared to lie down and let them take the points easily.

West Brom could have taken an early lead, it was the man Dorrans again with the opportunity cutting in from the left wing to let go a shot full of power from his weaker foot, Lloris having to be at his best early to keep the chance out.

Tottenham too could have taken the lead within the first 10 minutes, Bale having the beatings of the keeper but Bennett having the intelligence to get back and cover clearing the ball off the line and out for a throw.

The two sides looked to cancel each other out in the middle of the park, Mulumbu and Huddlestone clashing time and time again as the big men looked to take the ball from one another.

As it was, a moment of individual brilliance would open the scoring as Costa broke free from the half way like and from 30 yards unleashed a strike that swerved and moved in the air leaving Gordon rooted to the spot as the ball hit the top corner. West Brom fans applauding the hit, knowing it was a wonderful goal.

Had West Brom managed to get the game to half time with just the goal defect then the game may have played out differently for them.

Gareth Bale though had other ideas as he broke clear further forward than Defoe who played a fantastically weighted through ball as Bale beat the offside trap to stroke home is first of the season, leaving West Brom with it all to do in the second half.

Spurs and West Brom both had plenty of chances to score, the best falling to substitute Brunt but once more Lloris was at his best to make sure the score stayed at 2-0.

He could do nothing about the strike from Lukaku however who took Costas shot from earlier in the game and matched it unleashing a wonder strike of his own nestling in the identical corner as the Spurs player.

That strike seemed to lift Albion fans who had all but given up with just 10 minutes to go. Though they did have a chance to equalise but Shane Long's individual brilliance was thwarted by Lloris who gathered the ball well.

He released the ball early to find Adebayor with a glorious chance to finish the game at 3-1 but he fluffed his lines striking the ball over from just 12 yards out when the chance looked easier to score than to miss.

Spurs though hung on for the victory leaving them just five points back on West Brom and with a game in hand.



Karl Robinson Said: 'We are some what disappointed after that game. However the run had to come to an end sooner or later, sadly it was sooner than we would have liked it to be.'

'That said it was a great game for the fans today, two very good sides who just wanted to attack and that must have been great to see, though we were just not quite good enough to snatch a point.'

'If you had told me however we would have 45 points from 19 games so far this season at the very beginning of it, I would have snapped your hand off right then. We are playing above expectation and we are delighted to be doing so.'

Andre Villas-Boas Said: 'It was just a very good game today, two top teams going at one another for the whole game with lots of chances created.'

'Of course we are thrilled that we have come out as the winners but it could have been far different for us.'

'West Brom are no push overs and I expect them to be right up there now till the end of the season. They will give many sides a run for their money we have got a little luck against them today that is all.'

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind, Olsson, Bennett, Popov, Dorrans (Sub Brunt 52 mins), Yacob, Mulumbu, Gera, Long, Odemwingie (Sub Lukaku 52 mins)

Unused Substitutes: Daniels, McAuley, Ridgewell, Thorne, McClean

Goal Scorers: Lukaku 78

Tottenham Line Up: Lloris, Walker, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto, Parker (Sub Livermore 90 mins), Huddlestone, Sandro (Sub Dempsey 71 mins), Costa, Bale, Defoe (Sub Adebayor 71 mins)

Unused Substitutes: Gomes, Vertonghen, Fuchs, Gallas

Goal Scorers: Costa 21, Bale 41

Venue: The Hawthorns

Attendance: 26,445

Published
16.24 28th December 2012

Baggies shot stopper Craig Gordon thinks that they can put the loss to Tottenham straight behind them and bounce back with a win away at Southampton.

West Brom beat them 2-0 in the reverse fixture way back in the second game of the season and Gordon believes that they can come away with the result again.

'We all want to prove that the Tottenham game was a bit of a blip, just a one off. We don't want to lose again that is for sure.'

'Like winning breeds confidence, losing makes it hard to gain it so we want to bounce straight back with the win.'

'We just want to concentrate on our own games and see where we end up, there is nothing worse than looking at other results and then trying to match them.'

'As long as we win our own games we put the pressure on everyone else to do the same and that is all you can do.'

Ah finally a defeat think a spot in Europe would be good come the endof season. Not winning the title would give you something to play for next season!

If I win the title I would actually be gutted, that sounds stupid right ! HAHA

It's the same as I would feel if it was me

29 December 2012
Last updated at 17:09 GMT


West Brom bounced back from defeat to Tottenham in style, beating them 4-1 George Thorne on hand to score his first ever goal for the club in the rout.

It was clear from very early on that the away side wanted to avenge the defeat to Tottenham and do it in style. With the first goal arriving on 5 minutes the home team knew that they would be in for a long afternoon as Shane Long was set free by Brunt, his pace getting him beyond Fonte before finishing with coolness and poise to put them one up.

Southampton were trying tirelessly to get back into the game but George Thorne was having a game to remember, the young midfielder breaking up the play almost every time. Though if the ball did beat the midfield of Albion, the defence was on hand to sweep up and get the ball clear.

Odemwingie made it 2-0 midway through the first half, after a neat one two with Long the striker made no mistake in front of goal, chipping the ball delightfully over Boruc who could only watch as the ball nestled in the back of the net.

Southampton were starting to get a little more joy, the second goal giving West Brom a chance to turn the gears down but were still playing with tremendous pace.

Though they needed to up the gears again after 33 minutes as a goal for Southampton scored by Lallana gave the hosts a chance out of nothing, a superb ball dropped over the top from Hooiveld was enough for the pacey Lallana to score past Gordon.

The noise around the stadium raised, as the home side went in search of the equaliser before half time. They did come close through Lambert thrashing the ball towards the goal only to see the finger tips of Gordon do enough to tip the ball over the bar.

Missed chances for Southampton would soon come back to bite them, as just after half time West Brom added another, a total of 20 passes were made before the ball eventually found the way to Odemwingie in the box who passed the ball home. Southampton were appealing for offside but the flag stayed down as the Baggies wheeled away to celebrate in front of their own fans.

The game died down from then, neither side looking to exert too much energy, Southampton looking like they had conceded the game was beyond them.

There was time for George Thorne however to score his first goal for West Brom after he ghosted past Fonte he let go of a strike from the edge of the area right into the top corner of the net the youngster visibly delighted as he ran off to celebrate, kissing the badge on his shirt.



Nigel Adkins Said: 'I thought that today was a fantastic time to play West Brom and try and get the win over them but it wasn't to be.'

'They have flown out the blocks after a poor result in the last game and we were not ready for it, the early goal made it an uphill battle and we were not up to the challenge.'

'On the plus side my team will not face a tougher test than that for a while, I firmly believe it. What was promising is how well we kept the ball, we just need to change the possession into goals.

Karl Robinson Said: 'It is a tough place to come and get a result and we have done so well today to get it.'

'The players were desperate to get the result after losing to Tottenham and it was a superb performance by us to do so.'

'We are just looking to keep pushing on and see what happens. Another tough month coming up in January and we have to be at the races for all the games to keep the winning feeling going.'

Southampton Line Up: Boruc, Clyne, Fonte, Hooiveld, Bardachow (Sub Fox 64 mins), Lambert, Schneiderlin, Davis, Do Prado (Sub Puncheon 83 mins), Lallana, Rodriguez (Sub Lee 69 mins)

Unused Substitutes: Davis, Ward-Prowse, Mayuka, Yoshida

Goal Scorers: Lallana 33

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind (Sub Popov 56 mins), Olsson, Bennett, Ridgewell, Dorrans, Thorne, Mulumbu (Sub Gera 75 mins), Brunt, Long (Sub Lukaku 56 mins), Odemwingie

Unused Substitutes: Daniels, McAuley, Yacob, McClean

Goal Scorers: Long 5, Odemwingie 24, 47, Thorne 83

Venue: St Marys

Attendance: 32,113

1 January 2013
Last updated at 17:01 GMT


West Brom made it 9 goals in 2 games as the have put the set back to Tottenham well and truly behind them in yet another impressive display.

The result meant that West Brom have put 11 goals past Reading this season, Reading surely hoping that they do not meet each other again, though of course the only chance of that is that the two sides meet in the cup.

Though despite the complete domination it was Reading that would make the better start to the game, West Brom allowing Roberts to much time in the box to turn and shoot, seeing his strike come back off the post.

This enabled West Brom to wake up and begin to play like the side we have known this season. Long coming extremely close to scoring against his former club though a great save from Ferderici made sure the score was to stay level.

Reading were the side to take the lead however, a great corner from Jobi McAnuff saw the head of Robson-Kanu meet the ball with power and pace able to guide the ball in under the bar and far enough from the keepers reach.

Had the sides gone in like that, the final score may have been some what different, though West Brom had other ideas. Lukaku was able to score in injury time at the end of the first half to make sure the sides went in level.

After the break the tide well and truly changed, Reading struggling to even get out of their own half and only superb defending from Martin on the line made sure that Lukaku would not score again, this time from a head after a Brunt cross.

The resistance was broken on 59 minutes though as former Royal, Long, was able to tap in from close range after substitute Odemwingie had done all the hard work to tee him up, the striker offering a subdued celebration.

A minute later and Odemwingie himself got in on the act, just 4 minutes after coming on he had an assist and goal to his name after good work from Mulumbu in the middle of the park culminated in a fantastic through ball to the striker who finished with power and accuracy.

West Brom scored their third goal in as many minutes to completely turn the game on its head as Long was on hand to score his second of the game firing home from just inside the area making it 4-1

There was still time for another goal to go in this time an own goal from Reading's Marriapa made the scoreline and unflattering 5-1 after the unfortunate defender saw a Long shot that was heading wide bounce in off his knees.

Reading condemned to another defeat and West Brom march on cementing second place for their own.



Karl Robinson Said: 'The squad are delighted with back to back wins, as am I. It really was a great performance today.'

'We worked hard for one another got the bit between our teeth and got the result. That makes it 14 goals scored in the last 4 games so I pleased with that.'

'We know that we can outscore anyone on our day and we will continue to do just that to make sure that we can keep winning games.'

Brian McDermott Said: 'Well we have been taught a lesson by West Brom once again. They have really put some team together here that will not give up.'

'When you go a goal up you want to hold the lead as long as you can, though it seemed to work in the opposite way to us than anything else as we lost our composure a little.'

'When you do that against the top teams you have to expect that you will concede but to let in 5 today is not acceptable.'

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Tamas, McAuley (Sub Bennett 75 mins), Olsson, Popov, Gera Mulumbu, Yacob (Sub Dorrans 75 mins), Brunt, Lukaku (Sub Odemwingie 56 mins), Long

Unused Substitutes: Daniels, McClean, Rosenburg, Blind

Goal Scorers: Lukaku 45+1, Long 59, 62, Odemwingie 60, Marriapa O.G. 84

Reading Line Up: Federici, Martin, Pearce, Gorkss (Sub Marriapa 68 mins), Harte, Karacan (Sub Leigertwood 62 mins), Gunnarsson, McAnuff, Robson-Kanu, Roberts, Pobgrebnyak

Unused Substitutes: McCarthy, Morrison, Guthrie, Church, Cummings

Goal Scorers: Robson-Kanu 39

Venue: The Hawthorns

Attendance: 26,445

The table as it stands at 1/1/13

3 January 2013
Last updated at 14:15 GMT


Karl Robinson believes that his side can keep up the winning ways as they entertain Sunderland in the FA Cup this weekend, believing that they can avoid the potential for an upset.

'It would be an upset if we lose, yes only a little one but we are expected to win. They are bottom of the league and look out of sorts rooted to the bottom.'

'I know that form goes out of the window a little in the cup games but we have to make sure we are really on it at the weekend because we don't want to be going out.'

The Baggies manager in fact also believing that they can go all the way. 'There are a number of factors that enter into the cup but should they all go our way there is no reason we can't go all the way in this competition.'

Robinson also hinted that there could be some changes in January but did not want to speak on the matter with many rumours of names rife as to who may be coming into the club.

4 January 2013
Last updated at 16:18 GMT


Jonas Olsson could see his Baggies career cut short as the club and his representative have failed to reach an agreement on a new long term contract.

It is believed that the club and players wage demands are vastly different, Southampton looking to be the beneficiary of this as they prepare to make a bid. However the defender's contract runs out in the summer so West Brom will be looking for a cut price for the his services.

Robison said, 'this is why agents are ruining the game. He has come in with an offer to more than double his wages and we just can't do that.'

'We may be looking good to get into the Champions League at the moment and then we may be able to listen to that offer from his agent but right now it is ludicrous.'

Robinson has spoken before about agents ruining the game and believes that players would be better off without them.

'Sometimes all they want is the best deal for them, they will come along with a fair offer then look for a ridiculous amount of money themselves.'

'There are a handful of clubs that can just write them a check and be done with it, we are not in that handful.'

Still flying high in the league. Two fantastic wins! United are having a cracking season

All going swimmingly for now!

5 January 2013
Last updated at 17:05 GMT


West Brom secured a 3-0 home victory over Sunderland and with it a passage into the next round of the FA Cup.

The most positive bit of news from a West Brom perspective pre game was that James Morrison was fit enough to take his place on the bench and would eventually come on to play the final 15 minutes of the match as speculation as to where Olsson would end up mounted, though the vice captain did play today.

The game was a lot closer than the scoreline reflected though superior finishing by one and complete mishaps by the other made for an easy win in the end for the home side.

Sunderland did make the better start to the match, though in truth never looked like scoring. Wayward passes and miss control the order of the day as the worst side in the Premier League showed why they are rooted to the bottom.

West Brom looked content to allow them to have the ball and then when they got hold of it, show their opponents exactly how to pass and move at pass. It was in fact a fantastic passing move that opened the scoring.

Shane Long was the goalscorer but the quick and high tempo passing produced the chance as Sunderland were caught chasing shadows, looking tired after a busy Christmas period. Long on hand to tap in following a great cross by Brunt.

Albion themselves were looking a little tired and in fact perhaps were just doing enough to secure their passage to the 4th round though things could have been different had Steven Fletcher connected properly with a header from a lovely corner by Larsson.

Half time soon came and no sooner had the second half got under way were West Brom two goals up. A long hopeful ball out from the back had perfect weight on it for Lukaku to beat Mignolet to the ball and pass home into the net.

Sunderland at that point sought to give up as the players on the pitch looked tired and with a lack of ideas just saw to see the game out at 2-0.

That they would have done had West Brom not been awarded a penalty as Long broke clear and O'Shea bought him down whilst he was in his stride. Had it not been for Kilgallon getting back to cover the colour of the card may have been red rather than yellow.

Lukaku stepped up to take the kick and thundered home from 12 yards out firing the ball hard into the roof of the net. West Brom safely thorough to the next round despite not playing as well as they know they can.



Karl Robinson Said: 'Overall I am pleased to get the result to go through, though we know that perhaps we were a little lucky today.'

'The game was much closer than the scoreline reflected and we have worked hard to get a lead and keep hold of it.'

'For them, being at the bottom, you sometimes just don't get the luck you need in games and that was the case today, we certainly got a little lucky.'

Gerard Houllier Said: 'It is tough to take. We have played really well but have not been able to get on the score sheet so it is a bitter one.'

'Problem is if you don't score in football you can't win and that is really hindering us at the moment. We will keep going though to get results.'

'Of course it is difficult when you are losing every week, we have hardly any points in the league and we are out of the cup now. It is not a great time to be a connected with Sunderland.'

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind, Bennett, Olsson, Popov, Gera (Sub Morrison 73 mins), Mulumbu, Yacob (Sub Dorrans 62 mins), Brunt, Lukaku (Sub Rosenberg 73 mins), Long

Unused Substitutes: Daniels, McAuley, McClean, Thorne

Goal Scorers: Long 20, Lukaku 47, pen 67

Sunderland Line Up: Mignolet, Brown (Sub Bardsley 62 mins), O'Shea, Bramble, Kilgallon, Larsson, Cattermole, Britton (Sub Knott 62 mins), Colback, Rose (Sub Saha 67 mins), Fletcher

Unused Substitutes: Westwood, Cuellar, Henry, Egan

Goal Scorers: None

Venue: The Hawthorns

Attendance: 26,305

6 January 2013
Last updated at 15:25 GMT


Gus Poyet was delighted with the FA Cup draw as his Championship side Brighton will play host to West Brom when the two sides clash in the next round of the cup at the end of January.

It will be the battle of the Albion's as the two sides meet and Poyet is looking forward to the challenge that he will face.

'The players will be really up for this one. It will be a great game for them, the fans and everyone connected with the football club.'

'We know that it will be tough but what a great challenge to face the side currently second in the Premier League.'

Poyet also knows that they could have a great chance of reaching the next round as West Brom look set to lose a few players in January.

'There are a number of their players set to leave, it will be interesting to see who they replace them with but hopefully we will be able to have a good game.'

'Of course whatever side they bring to us it will be a tough game but my players know that they can beat any team on their day and this will be no different.'

Published
11.45 7th January 2013

West Brom can today announce the departure of Jonas Olsson from The Hawthorns as he links up with new side Swansea City.

Jonas has been a great servant to the club but made it very clear in December he would not sign a new contract with Albion and so Karl Robinson has moved quickly to get the player a new club so not to lose him on a free transfer in the summer.

'We are obviously disappointed with the fact Olsson felt he couldn't stay here with us and progress with us further.'

'However one thing we will not do is be held to ransom and for that reason when he wanted more money than that we could afford and he told us he would not want to be here any longer we looked to get him out of the club.'

'I can understand fans frustrations at this, I am frustrated also, Jonas has been fantastic so far this season. However they must understand from a financial point of view the club had to make this decision.'

West Brom has also today allowed Steven Reid to leave the club on loan to Cardiff City. Reid was not part of the squad selected for the Premier League but injury saw him miss out on a move to Bolton in the summer.

We wish him all the best whilst out on loan and the deal could be made permanent at any time during his loan spell in Wales.

12 January 2013
Last updated at 17:11 GMT


Fulham made their chances count as West Brom gave perhaps their first poor performance of the season, with Fulham escaping The Hawthorns with a 2-0 victory.

Fulham however showed the footballing world that you do not need to come here and do anything fancy, just to be able to come here and not do anything silly to give Albion the impetus is the way to go about it.

The London based club frustrated the home side to the point of trying to make them do things they would normally not and that is just lump the ball forward and hope for the best, the normal crisp passing football was not there to be seen, in the second half at least.

West Brom had the better of the early exchanges, a brilliant double save from Stockdale kept them level going into half time, though that was perhaps as interesting as the first half got.

The second half was far different however, Petric on hand to open the scoring for Fulham, beating the offside trap and when one on one kept his composure to slot coolly past Gordon with ease.

West Brom at this point started to lump the ball forward, though it nearly paid off when Lukaku broke free of the Fulham defence only to see his shot blocked well by Stockdale who was having a fantastic game in goal.

Albion should have been level on 80 minutes however, when a fantastic header was cleared off the line by Hangeland from a corner, though replays have since shown the ball did cross the line.

The official not seeing this really left West Brom to pay the price as the home side went in look for an equaliser, Petric scored with just a few minutes remaining following a long ball over the top. 2-0 Fulham and with the time left there was very little Albion could do.

They did try to at least get on the score sheet however, though it just was not their day as Shane Long saw his effort from inside the area, smash against the foot of the post and land perfectly in the arms of Stockdale from the rebound.



Karl Robinson Said: 'I am not at all happy to lose the game today, we have really been the masters of our own downfall and that is not acceptable.'

'We have had chances to win the game but missed everything that has fallen our way. It is not like us so we must try harder in the next game.'

'Charlie is back in training on Monday but will not be playing midweek against Swansea, there is no point in risking him right now.'

Martin Jol Said: 'Well the result was great for us, we battled hard to stay in the game at times but we took our chances when they were presented to us.

'West Brom are a good team so to come here and get the victory is very pleasing. It puts us in good spirit for the next game.'

'Petric has had that in his locker for some time and he is now really starting to show his ability in games. He is really dangerous when he gets going.'

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind, Bennett, McAuley, Popov, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Yacob (Sub Thorne 67 mins), Brunt (Sub Morrison 67 mins), Lukaku, Long

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

Goal Scorers: None

Fulham Line Up: Stockdale, Reither (Sub Kelly 69 mins), Hangeland, Dragovic (Sub Hughes 76 mins), Richardson, Duff, Sidwell, Baird, Kacaniklic, Berbatov (Sub Rangel 87 mins), Petric

Unused Substitutes: Schwarzer, Frei, Trotta, Senderos

Goal Scorers: Petric 45, 87

Venue: The Hawthorns

Attendance: 26,445

14 January 2013
Last updated at 10:34 GMT


Recently transferred Jonas Olsson comes quickly up against his old club as West Brom travel to Wales to face Swansea on Wednesday, with the defender keen to put forward his side of the story.

The defender was subsequently transfer listed by Karl Robinson after a contract offer was rejected by the defender and Olsson wanted to apologise what what happened.

'It all got to become a little bit of a mess in the end. I of course wanted to stay at West Brom and perhaps I went in with a much to high offer.'

Olsson has since split ties with his agent who was reported to have wanted around £42,000 a week for his client to remain an Albion player.

'In the end it has worked out, I told them I wouldn't be signing a new contract and they got me a new club quickly. I can't fault that.'

'Sincerely I hope that they can stay in the top four of the league, it would be incredible to see a team such as West Brom beat the odds to reach the Champions League.'

'I will spare no sentiment however on Wednesday and I will look to get a result with my new side against them as we ourselves are not far outside of a European place in the league.'

15 January 2013
Last updated at 15:11 GMT


Karl Robinson has failed in a bid to sign Southampton full back Nathaniel Clyne as a deal to bring him to the Hawthorns is not forthcoming.

So far this transfer window Albion have only seen players leave though Robinson admits that this is not for the want of trying. 'We have had bids turned down for at least five players, Nathaniel being one of them.'

'As I said before I will only enter the market for the right player and I look mostly towards the younger players. To me it is the best way to go.'

Though it looks like there will be no signings at West Brom this window Robinson admits that as frustrating as it is to not get his targets, he has a good squad to go with for the second half of the season.

'I am lucky to have a good squad of players here and so if players don't come in it will not be the end of the world.'

'The problem will come when we get injuries and suspensions because the team at the moment is only a small one. I am sure we will be able to overcome that though.'

16 January 2013
Last updated at 22:02 GMT


This really was the definition of a bore draw as Swansea and West Brom managed just one shot on target between them as the sides drew 0-0.

We have all heard of the term 'bore draw' but there has never been anything quite like this, the match between these two sides becoming the definition of it.

With a grand total of three shots at goal in the first half on a cold and wet evening in Wales really gave nothing for the fans to warm up about. The most exciting part of the first 45 minutes a mouse managing to find its way onto the pitch.

The closest of the three chances fell to Danny Graham who managed to find a little bit of space in the box to fire the ball wide of the far post, though only inches were in it.

The away side never really got going at all in the first half, though their only chance of the half fell to Shane Long who managed to fire the ball over from 6 yards out though was moaning to the referee that he was being pulled in the process, though there looked very little in it, the striker perhaps trying to spare his blushes.

Albion came close to scoring within minutes of the restart of the second half, Graham Dorrans finding a little time and space on the edge of the area to strike at goal, though the post managed to get in the way of the ball finding the back of the net with the keeper beaten all ends up.

Swansea had the games only chance and it feel to Graham again who managed to squander the opportunity. The striker managed to beat three men on his way to marching into the box, though with time and space managed to hit a strike straight at the keeper.

The game finished 0-0 with very little for either team to build on. There was however a great moment for Olsson who picked up the man of the match award against his former side cancelling them out to great effect.



Michael Ladrup Said: 'Both teams were as poor as each other today, we had more chances if you can call them that.'

'Danny had a chance to win it for is because had it gone in there was no way there would have been another goal, it was that sort of game.'

Karl Robinson Said: 'That is without doubt the worst display I have ever seen in my time here. We never got going and didn't seem up for the game at all.'

'The only saving grace is that we didn't lose but that said Swansea were equally as poor. I can't begin to think what the fans must be feeling about it from both teams.'

'We are away at Sunderland at the weekend and we must get back to winning ways, as I don't want poor form to continue.'

Swansea City Line Up: Vorm, Teindalli, Williams, Olsson, Taylor, Chico, Gower, Michu, Hernandez (Sub Routledge 74 mins), Dyer (Sub Mackay-Steven 74 mins), Graham

Unused Substitutes: Tremmel, Schechter, Monk, Moore, Lita

Goal Scorers: None

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind, Bennett, McAuley, Popov, Dorrans, Mulumbu (Sub Morrison 65 mins), Yacob (Sub Thorne 65 mins), Brunt, Lukaku, Long

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

Goal Scorers: None

Venue: The Liberty Stadium

Attendance: 20,745

Published
11.45 18th January 2013

Charlie Austin has been back in training since Monday and he says he is feeling much better now that he is getting a football back under his feet.

It has been a long road of recovery for Austin who is now just pleased to be getting himself back up to match fitness. 'I am fully recovered from the injury but now I need to work hard to get my fitness level back up to scratch.'

'I wanted to play in the week against Swansea, well at least get on the bench but the gaffer was right to not let me play, it would have been too soon.'

'I was just itching to get back out there and get some more goals under my belt and help the team get back to winning ways.'

'If I am called upon for the weekend I will be ready and raring to go against Sunderland. They are rooted to the bottom of the league but we know anything can happen in the Premiership.'

New year seems to be giving you a bit of trouble, nice to see teams giving you a game now though! Clyne would have been a fantastic addition!

Would have loved to get him but will move on to other targets.

19 January 2013
Last updated at 17:02 GMT


Romelu Lukaku scored three times as West Brom secured their first win in three beating relegation certainties Sunderland 3-2 in a closer match than it should have been for the away side.

A disgruntled looking Charlie Austin made his way to sit in the stands as he was to not make the team sheet today though declaring himself fit for the game, Robinson saying he wants to make sure he is available for the game against Brighton and has no need to rush him back.

Ben Foster made his first start since coming back from injury however and the first thing that he had to do was pick the ball out of the net as poor defending from Ryan Bennett, allowing Fletcher to get up above him and head home inside 2 minutes.

Albion fans would have been worried that a repeat of the past two abject performances would happen again, though Lukaku's pace and trickery made sure that those fears were put to rest as he scored his first goal of the game just minutes after the Sunderland opener.

Sunderland however were not looking like a team at the bottom, spraying the ball around with confidence against their much superior opposition in league position at least. The home side came close again as Sessegnon unleashed a strike from a long way out though the ball would not dip quick enough going just over the bar.

As it was, West Brom would take the lead on 36 minutes, Lukaku again scoring though this time a tap in as a shot from Shane Long was saved by Mignolet but the Baggies striker was the quickest to react as the rebound fell into his path.

The home side had a chance to make the scores level going into half time but as Larsson lifted in a wicked corner, a header from O'Shea was saved a point blank range by Foster the keeper knowing very little about it.

After half time, the teams knew that the next goal would be crucial, perhaps the game could be forgiven for a little bit of tentativeness as both teams just tried to keep the ball till a chance came their way.

It was West Brom that would get that chance and a confident Lukaku made no mistake as he struck home is third of the match from 12 yards out. He took no mercy on the Sunderland keeper who could only but attempt to stop it as the ball was hit with so much power, it had hit the back of the net before he could get his hands up.

Albion then set about seeing the game out, though a late consolation goal from Fletcher was not enough to spoil their party as they won for the first time in three attempts.



Gerard Houllier Said: 'We have really tried hard today to get something out of the match but West Brom just had the key things go their way and got the bit of luck when they needed it.'

'All in all it was a good performance on our behalf and one we can build on but we are rapidly running out of time now to do something about our poor position.'

'I think to the rest of the world we are already down but we will not give up until it is a confirmed. We owe that to the fans that keep turning up to support us at least.'

Karl Robinson Said: 'We have turned it back on again today. The players knew how disappointed I was with the last couple of performances but we are back on the winning trail again.'

'Lukaku had a game to remember today and he is really staking a claim for more starts in the first team, he will certainly get one next week at Brighton.'

'The FA Cup will actually be a welcome distraction for the hustle and bustle of the league and I am really looking forward to it after today.

Sunderland Line Up: Mignolet, Brown, Bramble, O'Shea (Sub Cuellar 60 mins), Kilgallon, Larsson, Cattermole, Colback (Sub Vaughan 56 mins), Johnson (Sub Britton 74 mins), Sessegnon, Fletcher

Unused Substitutes: Westwood, Ji, Rose, Henry

Goal Scorers: Fletcher 2, 88

West Brom Line Up: Foster, Tamas, Bennett, McAuley, Popov, Gera, Mulumbu, Yacob, Brunt (Sub McClean 90 mins), Lukaku (Sub Rosenberg 78 mins), Long,

Unused Substitutes: Gordon, Blind, Ridgewell, Thorne, O'Neil

Goal Scorers: Lukaku 7, 36, 63

Venue: The Stadium Of Light

Attendance: 32,692

23 January 2013
Last updated at 11:09 GMT


West Bromwich Albion have wrapped up a £2.8m deal to bring Adam Matthews to The Hawthorns on a three and a half year deal.

Matthews, who moved to Celtic from Cardiff was delighted with the deal.'Neil Lennon told me of the interest of West Brom and it didn't take me long to decide that I would like to speak to them.'

'They are second in the league and doing really well this season so it is a great time to join them. I am moving still wanting Champions League football next season so hopefully I can keep West Brom in and around the top four.'

'I have to thank Celtic for giving me a chance to play at a high level and thank them more for respecting my wishes to move on once the offer for me has come in.'

Karl Robinson was delighted to get his man, the highly rated 21 year old being on his radar for some time. 'We actually tried to sign him in the summer. I have been tracking him and his performances have been superb.'

'Now is a good time to bring him in and I am sure the fans will love him. He gives everything he has in every game and I look forward to seeing what he can do for us.'

Matthews will go straight into contention for a starting place when West Brom travel to Brighton in the FA Cup at the weekend with the full back hoping for a starting birth.

'I don't want to count my chickens but I would really like a chance to show what I can do early. Obviously there is a good team here so to disrupt it would be a tough one for the manager but I think I can slot in well.'

Fantastic league position. Champions League football for West Bromwich Albion would be a brilliant achievement.

Thanks pal! I have my fingers crossed.

To all those following from the end of the Jan updates I have already writtern out I will have to go to just screen shots. I have recently got a new job which means I don't have the time to write as I have been for the story, so a change of style I am afraid. Many thanks!

26 January 2013
Last updated at 17:02 GMT


In the battle of the Albion's neither side were able to come out on top and in fact they will have to do it all over again to decide who will go through.

The Championship side set out to frustrate their high flying Premier League counterparts, Poyet himself knowing better than any what it is like to be in a higher league team that could go out via an upset.

There was however a first appearance since his injury for Charlie Austin, he only managed to get through 45 minutes, though that could have been down to the fact of his poor first half performance rather than actually still feeling the effects of the injury he is carrying.

The Baggies made their superior edge look like the match would be a simple one for them in the early stages, crisp and accurate passing took place as the home side could only stand an admire as the ball was articulately played around them.

Though West Brom almost shot themselves in the foot as an under hit back pass was chased down my Barnes as Gordon cleared the ball hit the striker on the back, though there would be no luck for him as the ball went wide off the mark.

Brighton began to get a foothold in the game from that point, captain Greer organising his team well getting them to keep their shape as West Brom started to struggle to get the ball in behind them.

It would be the Premiership side that would take the lead however as Chris Brunt galloped up the left flank, beating Brighton players with ease he was able to supply a cross to Gera who had cut in from the right hand touchline unnoticed to fire the ball home from close range.

If anyone thought from that point the match would be a foregone formality they were completely wrong, though had West Brom reached the half time interval with the lead it may well have been.

Watching the defending it looked as if many of the West Brom players already were in the dressing room however as Barnes beat the offside trap to fire hard and low past Gordon, the Brighton fans going crazy in the stands as Barnes was mobbed by his team mates.

West Brom know knew that they were in a game and after the half time break introduced Shane Long to partner Lukaku, his individual brilliance nearly got a goal immediately got them back in front though his strike cannoned back off the post.

Brighton hot shot Barnes however nearly gave the game to Brighton, as the game entered the closing stages he thought that he had won it, climbing highest in the box to head home, though the goal was ruled out for a foul on the keeper, a little contentious and Poyet was left fuming on the touchline.

As it is, the two sides ended the game level and it will have to be done all over again at The Hawthorns, with West Brom hoping that home advantage will see them through to the next round.



Gus Poyet Said: 'The result is fantastic for us, it shows how far we have come in terms of being able to challenge with some of the best sides in England.'

'They are not second in the Premiership for no reason and I also commend them for the bringing a strong side to face us, it really was a great game.'

'Both sides wanted to win it and this is what the FA Cup is all about. Of course it makes it harder for us when we have to go to their place second time around but we will do out best.'

Karl Robinson Said: 'Today I really have to commend the fantastic ability of Brighton who have shown what the FA Cup is all about.'

'I knew the game would be tough and they gave us a real game today. It is why I bought a really strong side because we knew that we would have to be at our best to win.'

'As it is, I am pretty happy with the outcome of having to replay the game, we fancy our chances much more at home than we do away.'

Brighton Line Up: Kuszczak, Bruno (Sub Calderon 63 mins), Ben-Haim, Greer, Bridge, Bridcutt, Hammond, Crofts, Lopez, Orlandi, Barnes

Unused Substitutes: Ankergren, Dobbie, Buckley, Mackail-Smith, Dicker, Agdestein

Goal Scorers: Barnes 45

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Matthews, McAuley, Bennett, Blind, Gera, Thorne (Sub Yacob 65 mins), Mulumbu, Brunt, Austin (Sub Long 45 mins), Lukaku

Unused Substitutes: Foster, Ridgewell, Popov, Dorrans, Morrison

Goal Scorers: Gera 34

Venue: The Amex Stadium

Attendance: 27,750