Cech makes his peace with Albion

Friday 23rd January 2009, 11:28AM GMT.

WEST BROM V TOTTENHAM 13 TS 28Albion boss Tony Mowbray has buried the hatchet with unsettled defender Marek Cech and wants to keep him at the Hawthorns.

But Mowbray has hinted that the Slovakia international is still keen to move – and refused to rule out the 25-year-old leaving in January.

Cech angered the Baggies by telling a Slovakian news agency he wanted a transfer – after just six months at the club – because of a lack of first team action.

Mowbray said: “It is probably not the time or place for me to discuss one individual player’s future, but he isn’t getting chased out of our club by me.

“I would be delighted if he is still here, because he gives us excellent cover in certain positions on the pitch, which is not easy to find good players.

“Yet the boy doesn’t want to be cover, he wants to play every week. We will wait and see what his future holds.”

Cech has reportedly attracted interest from Napoli in Serie A and Championship side Ipswich but the Baggies have yet to receive a bid.

Mowbray has admitted he would consider letting the £1.4million summer signing move on, if he can strike the right deal and recruit a suitable replacement.

But he insisted he has cleared the air with Cech over his media outburst. The player admitted questioning his Baggies future but denied criticising the manager.


  1. 1
    Jeff

    He is a good player and we would not be able to get someone as good for the same money, if we were to sell him.
    Give him some HOPE Tone and play him, unless of course the rumours are true and ROBBO is actually your son!!lol.

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  2. 2
    Mattyboy2676

    Bottom line is Marek Cech is better than Robinson and should be playing.Robinson looks like a liability at the back, making serious mistakes… Fair play to Cech, he deserves better…

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  3. 3
    Throstle

    Cech is a far better player than Robbo…how many goals has Robbo actually cost us this season, especially by giving away needless corners???

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  4. 4
    blackheath baggie

    Cech is classy. Robbo is an headless chicken. Robbo should be the cover

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  5. 5
    themowbrayway

    TM has made it very clear that Robbo is first choice LB and Cech must keep fighting to get in the team. Are the same fans who constantly sing Robbo’s name the same ones that always seem to criticize TM for playing him? For me, Robbo does make the odd mistake as most players do, but he turned out to be a lot better than I thought he was when he first joined us. It has to be said that he was one of Meggo’s better signings, of which there were many!

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  6. 6
    11amstart

    I’ve got to agree with the comments made so far – Cech is a better alround player than Robbo; it should be Robbo covering for Cech. Is Mowbray the only person who can’t see this? This player favouritism reminds of the Robson/Wallwork affair! However, in a ‘dog-fight’ who would you rather have? I think this is why Robbo is picked – he could still be the best defender of the two, but his mistakes are mounting. After the Spurs and Peterboro games though, Cech should have stayed in the team!

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  7. 7
    Great Escape II

    If we want to progress and move forward we need to keep players like Cech at this Football Club. Unfortunately, I can’t see him not being sold this transfer window, which is a big shame.

    Paul Robinson has been a good servant but like someone said before, he should now be the one to act as cover for Marek.

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  8. 8
    dickos

    Dont blame the lad for wanting to move on, A Champions League player who has never had a Fair crack of the Whip.
    Mogga you have to be fair to ALL not play your
    Favourites regardless of form and suspensions

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  9. 9
    BONESWBA

    As much as i rate Chris Brunt, i wouldnt mind seeing Cech play on the left side of midfield on Saturday, with Robbo behind him…I think he would be more effective for us with less defensive responsibilities, either way i’d like to see him get more starts.
    Quite mad how we’ve got an army of defenders out and theres not really a place for Cech!

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  10. 10
    top of the league

    i havent seen cech play but ive got to say anyones better than robbo the thug lol

    we are top the league say we are top the league

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  11. 11
    BAGGIE BARRIE

    There is a place in the team for both players.
    Robbo in Midfield as a ball winner and Cech at left back
    Robbo is the heart of the team and the only player with any spirt and desire to win every match.It’s time to get behind the team so all you Robbo knockers get off his back!
    Boing Boing and good luck for tomorrow.

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  12. 12
    Happy_baggie

    10 – you wouldn’t have seen Cech play cos he’s a premiership player – and you won’t like Robbo cos Bambi kightly still has nightmares about him – so overall, I guess your comment is fairly pointless (but thanks anyway).

    There is a lot of outcry about Robbo, and yes he has been responsible for some goals – but he’s a defender – thats what happens.

    There is much talk about Cech being “the better player” and he probably is – but who had the highest % of goal assists for us last season…. Gera ?? No, Jonno ?? No… yep it was that that old hoofer Robbo.

    The guy has more to his game than you give credit for, and if it comes down to a relegation fight i would want him on the pitch.

    That said, i really like Cech an hope that he can be accomodated somehow.

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  13. 13
    Simon

    I thought this guy could play on the left side?
    Why not play him instead of Brunty when he has his off days, which is quite regular. Had a great game against Boro tho!
    Cech came in when Robbo was banned and got man of the match then he was dropped for the next game no wonder hes p**d.
    Keep him TM

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  14. 14
    TERRY FORTUNE BAGGIE

    why the hell are we knocking robbo if some of the otheres would put the same amount of effort in every game we might not be bottom of the league TM knows best cech as to earn is place,ive not seen cech do alot wrong but robbo aint done much wrong either,aye boing boing robbo

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  15. 15
    albionfivepinter

    12; braggie “…if it comes down to a relegation fight i would want him on the pitch” your comments are never pointless; you can sometimes ever so slightly miss the blindingly obvious, but no, your comments are never pointless.

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  16. 16
    CovBaggy

    Ditto “Happy” good to read your views again.
    Boing Boing

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  17. 17
    Terry Jackson

    Players should be picked on merit by their current form. Cech came in played extremely well and deserved to play agaist Villa on merit. Robbo has been a good servant to the club but his current form does not merit his place in the team, he should be made by TM to earn his place not be brought back automatically. Cech has played at a higher level and Robbo does struggle in the Premiership.

    A lot of goals have been conceded this season by our full backs being unable to contain pacy players resulting in central defenders being drawn out of position. Give Cech an oppotunity
    tomorrow either at full back or defensive midfield because we lack in that department.

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  18. 18
    GornalBaggie

    Cech is twice the player Robbo is and more!! It’s very rare I have any reason to criticise ToMo but wish he’d have the balls to drop the finger pointing, fist pumping defensive liability who couldn’t pass wind, unless it’s backwards!!

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  19. 19
    albionfivepinter

    12,braggie;”..if it comes down to a relegation fight i would want him on the pitch.” any chance of elaborating on that one?

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  20. 20
    Baggie Boy

    I agree with Happy (12) Ok robbo may of cost us the odd goal he is a defender if they make a mistake at this level it’s usually a goal. Cech is probably a more gifted footballer but when its comes down to “running till you drop” “battling for every ball” and “sheer passion” Robbo is the man!. He actually seems to hurt when we lose (ok he feels better when his wage packet turns up lol) .

    Robbo gets my vote any day

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  21. 21
    Baggie Boy

    Ok a little poll…..

    Robbo or Cech at Left back

    one word answers please

    Robbo OR Cech

    ROBBO

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  22. 22
    GornalBaggie

    People say he’s had ill discipline, if it was the other way round and Robbo had been dropped after getting man of the match I’m sure he’d cause a lot more disruption than Cech maybe did.

    He’s Champions League quality and should be playing week in week out.

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  23. 24
    GornalBaggie

    You can’t pick him becuase he runs round like a donkey all game. You pick the better footballer!!

    If we play our strongest 11, we can beat teams the proper way, the footballing way! Then we don’t need sheer grit and determination. The reason we have to dig so deep sometimes is because Robbo has probably cost us 2 eary goals and he rnus round crazy with guilt trying to correct it.

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  24. 25
    Happy_baggie

    15/19 – and you say I miss the blindingly obvious….what part of “I want him on the pitch” are you struggling with – Did you think i wanted him to run on as a streaker ??

    We are in a relegation dogfight with upto 8 other teams and we need a mixture of “players” and “characters” if we are to survive.

    The team has plenty of “players” but Robbo is a character who will die for every ball. He also has a much better game and contributes far more than he gets credit for – therefore I want him on the pitch.

    Sorry if my tone appears rude, but if are going to be intenionally dim then you will be answered as such.

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  25. 26
    Happy_baggie

    Robbo – or possibly cech.

    Both bring strong elements to the team… but I disagree with 24 because you don’t need great “footballers” in every position – sometimes you need a different strength – and Robbo brings that – but he is also a better player than you credit him with (Donkey ??? are you mad ??)

    You have to earn the right to play good football and robbo’s game allows the “better” footballers to play.

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  26. 28
    Hall Green Baggie

    Play him Tony! I’m begging you!

    The suggestion to push Robbo forward into midfield is an interesting one – he does like to get forward after all…

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  27. 29
    wembley 6870930708

    thats right robbo has cost us the odd goal here and there, but its cost us a good few points,as well as giving stupid corners and free kicks away he has been out jumped for vital goals against us,we would have been just above half way up the table right now, thats how i see it. so there

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  28. 30
    Shropshire Boinger

    This is an interesting debate and sort of points out that Mr Mowbary is doing his job correctly.

    Comptetion for places will breed better play, and our recent home results have indicated that this is now happening.

    Without sitting on the fence BOTH Robbo and Cech have a excellent claim for the position, I would like to see more of Cech before forming an opinion, but TM does see them every week in training. Would Robbo go to the press if he was on the bench???

    I do like the idea of Robbo AND Cech on the left maybe tommorow would be the ideal opportunity, but Chris Brunt has played exceptionally well recently.

    The real answer to this is we have competition for places and players will either want to be at the club and fight for a place or not…..

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  29. 31
    wembley 6870930708

    by the way how come the liks of hull n stoke are buying players and we are not, i would of thought we were the bigger club with the cash.

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  30. 32
    Baggie Boy

    HB (26)Robbo – or possibly cech.

    is thats what called “edging your bets” lol

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  31. 33
    Ish

    LOL at some of the people on here. Your basing it on 1 good game against Spurs ? I’d rather have Robbo who loves playing for us than a player who spits his dummy out every time he gets dropped. Bye Cech.

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  32. 34
    Happy_baggie

    Baggie boy 32 – yep thats me…. decisive at all times.

    or am I ??

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  33. 35
    wembley 6870930708

    no wonder cech is spitting his dummy out, if moore can get in the team, and he is crap/not very good, SIMPLE

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  34. 36
    GornalBaggie

    Ish that’s a silly comment. I’d love playing for the Albion more than anyone in the team so would you want me playing instead?

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  35. 37
    albionfivepinter

    25 braggie; It isn’t the ” i want him on the pitch” bit I struggle with its the “if it comes down to a relegation fight ” bit. Sorry to be dim but in spite of your rudeness surely you have been in a relegation fight since the first match of the season?

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  36. 38
    Happy_baggie

    wembley 6870930708… re your post 31, we have spent far more than Hull & stoke – just not in this window.

    We have spent around £20 million since getting promoted, plus around 15 million getting promoted and the club now say that there are “some” funds available – although in our position loan deals are obviously a more realistic option.

    Re your post 35 – Firstly Moore has had to wait a long time to get some games in… and the injury to miller prompted his more regular inclusion… plus I don’t see how picking a forward of ANY calibre has an effect on the left back not getting a game.

    It’s easy to be negative, but if you look just a little deeper the answers are usually there.

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  37. 39
    wembley 6870930708

    anyway baggies 2 man u 1 next week simpson first goal…….boing boing boing boing

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  38. 40
    GornalBaggie

    I can’t beilieve how many people must be so deluded to think that our team ‘needs’ Robbo. Answer me this……..how many times has Robbo given silly free kicks in dangerous areas, pointless corner kicks when (if he had a footballing brain and the technique) he could have turned and played the ball all resulting in us conceding goals from set pieces?? It has to be well into double figures just at home.

    How many times has he tried to play a back-pass and completely messed it up resulting in yet another panicked clearance and putting us under pressure.

    Also how many times has he been ‘left for dead’ by diving in? How many times has he left his marker and we end up conceding at the back post? Then he points and shouts, blaming all but himself!

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  39. 41
    GornalBaggie

    To all those who favour Robinson.

    Do you think he could have taken Cech’s place at Porto and be playing Champions League football and winning league titles.

    Haha…..exactly!!

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  40. 42
    Happy_baggie

    37 – you asked me to elaborate on the entire sentance, which i did…. if you just want me to explain being in a relegation fight then here goes….

    Yes we have been in a relegation fight since day one – but we are currently level on points with 5 other clubs – and we are currently one win away from 11th in the league. Most teams that come up will fight to stay there – and although we are bottom of the league, we are also currently the “form team” at the bottom – and robinson has been part of that.

    The use of the word “IF”… it comes to a relegation fight, is only appropriate in the context of my original sentance, and does not suggest we are not currently in said relegation fight.

    I’m not sure if i can be any more concise – but if it’s still troubling you, let me know.

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  41. 43
    boy from the REAL bl

    Robbo.

    (…but i’d have Cech playing in front of him!)

    Report abuse

  42. 44
    BigNeil71

    So on the strength of his appearances against Tottenham and Peterborough (first division opposition where his positioning cost us at least one goal) people have determined he is a better player than Robbo?

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  43. 45
    WORCESTERBAGGIE

    CECH ,pure class,,we must do everything we can to keep hold of this quality player,,we cant let players like this go thats for sure,,
    STAYIN IN THE PREM THE MOWBRAY WAY,,IN STYLE OF COURSE,,OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH YES..

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  44. 46
    Cyril Randle

    I’ve read all that lot and I do wonder whether some of you REALLY DO trust TM as much as you say you do. Our manager is one of the most honest I’ve EVER seen, the club is progressing due to him, (no saft comments please Wulfies, they’ll only come back to haunt you), so how about letting him pick the team? Of course we are all entitled to have a guess, an opinion, but SLAGGING OFF players whilst they wear our shirt isn’t on. Terry 14, you’ve got it right, they’re both fine players competing for ONE place. We’re lucky to have them because we’ve had a few old has-beens in the last ten years. Do you remember the ones who were ‘brilliant in the dressing room’ but rarely made contact with the ball on the pitch. Yet still got picked week in week out. That doesn’t happen now, nor will it with TM in charge. Tomorrow will be a toughie. Support whoever is picked, PLEASE.

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  45. 47
    The Real Bully Hoo.

    This debate is very like the ones that take place on the Wolves pages. Mad Mick should pick Denes Rosa/Mark Davies/anyone else not in the team because unlike the players in the team they never make a mistake and never have a bad game and unlike Mad Mick these fans never have to answer for their choices.

    Someone asked who apart from TM would rather have Robbo in the team? Answer I would. We don’t have many leaders, he is one. I always acknowledge him at the end of games, not because he’s a Baggies fan, he isn’t but he gives 100%, he appreciates the fans and he cares.

    What really annoys me are the ‘supporters’ on here that continually question TM’s decisions as if he is some sort of backward child and then say ‘I still think he’s a good manager.’ Yes he is and that’s why he is the manager and you are paying for your seat. I think a lot of the knockers are nouveau fans and don’t realise how good the current set up is. Sorry, I’m on the soap box again I know.

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  46. 48
    scott dudley baggie

    has anyone fort that we cud play both cech as right back and play robbo defensive midfeild, he myt not have the passing abilty but he runs all game he wins alot in the air for his size hes well aggresive he likes gettin forward(granted he offers litte to the attacks) but i think it wud be an interesting trial for him, or i myt be wrong and he myt turn out to be like a more aggresive chaplow winnin the ball then giving it away, but just a fort to leave u lads n lass’s with

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  47. 49
    scott dudley baggie

    cech as left back sorry

    Report abuse

  48. 50
    The Real Bully Hoo.

    49 and many others.
    TM bases his decision on seeing these players in training every week, as Cech has played one game at left back against a Div 2 team and one against a poor premier team reduced to ten men, what do you base your decision on. I’m not questioning Cech’s ability, just suggesting that perhaps our manager knows a bit more than you.

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