Di Matteo is new Albion boss

Tuesday 30th June 2009, 12:13PM BST.

wd3352154roberto-di-matteoRoberto Di Matteo will become the new manager of West Bromwich Albion following a dramatic last-minute twist in the battle for the Hawthorns vacancy.

The former Italy international and Chelsea star, fresh from a debut season in English management with Milton Keynes Dons, pipped bookies favourite Alan Irvine in a shock appointment.

Preston boss Irvine had been the front runner to land the post, made vacant by Tony Mowbray’s decision to go to Celtic and spoke with Albion chairman Jeremy Peace and his directors over the weekend.

But the Hawthorns hierarchy had their minds changed at the last minute, when Di Matteo made a huge impression at his interview.

He convinced the Albion board he was the man to take the club forward again after the disappointment of relegation from the Premier League.

Di Matteo, whose six-figure compensation pack-age from MK Dons has already been sorted out by Albion, was agreeing the fine detail of his personal terms today before the club made a formal announcement.

The 39-year-old is expected to be at Albion’s training ground tomorrow to greet players as they return for pre-season training.

Di Matteo found fame with top Italian club Lazio and then at Chelsea for whom he scored the winning goal against Aston Villa in the last FA Cup final at the old Wembley in 2000.

He was appointed MK Dons boss a year ago after Paul Ince left to join Blackburn Rovers.

Former Chelsea colleague Eddie Newton, his assistant with the Dons, will join him at The Hawthorns.

By Chief Sports Writer Martin Swain.


  1. 1
    burfmiester

    I PERSONALLY THINK THAT THIS IS A GOOD APPOINTMENT & ONE DEFINITELY FOR THE FUTURE.

    Bring it on !!!!!

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  2. 2
    ALFRED miller (malta

    BENVENUTO ROBERTO.

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  3. 3
    Warren (Albion)

    Welcome Roberto Di Matteo.

    It’s come as a bit of a surprise, and I must admit it wasn’t my first choice as it seems a bit of a risk, but the more I think about it the more I warm to the idea.

    He seems a top guy, and as someone rightly pointed out on the other thread, that should help prevent a mass exodus, and at least he’ll guarantee more entertainment. Also, he has a masters degree in economics, so he’s not an idiot.

    Here’s to a long and successful reign……

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  4. 4
    Groundhog

    I`ll drink to that – BRILLIANT choice.
    Top scorers and best defence in league last year.
    Italian flair going forward and Italian meanness at the back.
    Brunty, Morrison, koren, Mensenguez, czech, Jonno go and express yourselves!! You thought TM was attack minded wait till this guy gets to grips!!
    YOU BEAUTY!!!!!!!!!
    Well done JP & co

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  5. 5
    Boing Boing

    Am totally shocked, cheap option again, has to win me over im afraid..

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  6. 6
    johnboy

    if its roberto then lets all get behind him and give him a chance
    it looks as a continuation of the mowbray style(the Albion way)
    BOING BOING

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  7. 7
    northeast baggie

    il benvenuto al santuario di matteo e tutto il meglio ora prendono questo randello di nuovo alla terra promessa e li mantengono là or in english welcome to the shrine

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  8. 8
    sadbaggie

    The cheap option again. When are we going to learn? We have got half the squad that wants to leave and smebody with experience could of at least attempted to convince them. Dave Jones and Irvine turned down the job to stay at Cardiff and Preston? Ferguson Jr, Coppell, Curbishley but no the cheap option with a guy with no CV as a manager, great.

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  9. 9
    BRUMMIEBAGGIE

    Good appointment ??? Only time will tell- Lets get behind the lad and support him like only WBA can and does
    GOOD LUCK RDM ALBION UNTIL THE LIGHTS GO OUT

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  10. 10
    wednesfield wolf

    I think a very astute signing has been made by the board at Albion. Could be a very good manager, and one for the future.

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  11. 11
    Happy_baggie

    Welcome RDM !!!!

    I have no idea what to expect now – but JP brought into Mowbray’s idea of flowing football and financed his attempts to deliver it – I think peace wants to see good football as much as we do.

    I didn’t know what to expect from TM or Megson when they joined us so I’m looking forward to next season with baited breath now.

    Hope he has a good network in Italy we can tap into.

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  12. 12
    BoingBoing666

    jeez! i currently mopping sweat from my brow given we could have landed Irvine. Thanks $£&k for that!! cracking choice, IMO he has the same popularity as Fergie Jnr would have brought to the club.

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  13. 13
    Happy_baggie

    As for the obvious dingle comments on here… good luck next season with Mccarthy and his players putting at shift in – should be a laugh.

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  14. 14
    Shorty

    Fantastic appointment in my opinion. Well done JP – you continue to run our club superbly.

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  15. 15
    Goldenbear

    Looks like a sound move for you chaps – hope he does well and we see you in the Prem next year

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  16. 16
    DebenhamWolf

    Looks like a great appointment! Have a good season , lads. Players you have should suit his footballing credentials. What a good move! Things are looking up in the West Midlands.

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  17. 17
    SuperMaths

    The king is dead – long live Di King!

    (So Irvine was beaten in interview and it’s NOT that he declined the job as the BBC report?)

    Hmmmm.

    Personally I’m glad its Di Matteo – maybe Maresca will come back

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  18. 18
    Crispy

    8. sadbaggie – you mean saddingle
    Don`t be jealous, be happy for us.
    Di matteo will be a revelation, so happy its not true.
    Heard him on the karioke on holiday last month, he sang `LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU` We`ve got ourselves a top bloke.

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  19. 19
    WORCESTERBAGGIE

    still not on official site,,,but i gather ROBERTO DI MATTEO IS IN THE BAGGIO,,,,,,,,WEEM GOING UP THE ITALIAN WAY,,IN STYLE OF COURSE,,OOOOOOOOOOOOOH YES………WELCOME ROBERTO….

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  20. 20
    Longy

    Great choice – lets hope he can do a quick job for us this season and get us off to a flying start. Lets also hope its a long term commitment to playing football (and winning). Irvine didnt fit with our dressing room at the moment anyway.

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  21. 21
    Spuggy

    On the cheap again. He got a club that has a lot of money for the level it’s at to the play-offs and lost. He’s got less than 12 months of managerial experience. How the hell is he expected to keep us in the Prem IF he can get us there?

    I’ll support him and the club regardless, but I don’t think that we have got the best option. I hope he proves me wrong.

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  22. 22
    Ellen

    Benvenuti al West Brom Roberto avrete l’appoggio di tutti i tifosi Albion.

    Consentitemi di iniziare il lavoro italiano!

    Report abuse

  23. 23
    Romsley Baggie

    Not sure about this, Ince did well at MK Dons then fell flat on his face at Blackburn, would have liked someone with a track record and more experience this time we always go for inexperience and fall short every single time. Good luck RDM but im afraid you’ll have some work to do to win me over.

    A deflated Boing Boing!!

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  24. 24
    burfmiester

    I tell you what, There is no pleasing some of you so called “Baggies through & through” supporters!!

    Mark my words, you will eat yours !!!!!

    This gentleman has a very proffessional attitude & will leave absolutely no stone unturned in his persuit of his & WBA’s goal.

    Don’t get me wrong, during his interview he was asked if WBA is viewed by him as a stepping stone?? I have been lead to believe his answer was & I quote….. ” I would rather look at it as a ship because ships float. A ship can call into many ports & people can get off. I aim to finish the cruise & hope that I can steer the ship to where I & its supporters want it to go….”

    Boing Boing & get onside …..

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  25. 25
    Ellen

    Let the Italian job begin!

    Boing Boing

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  26. 26
    steven potter

    we will be in league 1 with this muppet in charge, wake up JP.

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  27. 27
    Cyril Randle

    Well, I’ve heard of the outsider coming in on the rails to win by a short head, (don’t understand it though), but this is certainly a turn up for the book! Sad for Alan Irvine as he must have thought he was home and dry. This bloke has some excellent players to work with. I hope he’ll think it’s Christmas. What do we know of Eddie Newton? S’excitin’ ay it?

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  28. 28
    sadbaggie

    happy how can you possibly be happy with a manager who has less than 12 months experience and has no pormotions or any other achievements to date? MK Dons have one of the highest budgets in league 1 and they won one of the last 11 games last season? Very dissapointed we cant even talk managers from clubs such as preston and cardiff to ours. Not one person on these boards even mentioned di matteo as a candidate. Rubbish.

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  29. 29
    Roscoe

    C’mon this is exciting! you’re all giving us that stereotype of being a club full of naysayers. Ofcourse he will have to win everyone over, even someone with all the experience in the world coming into a new job has to win over the fans.. thats how it works!

    Cheer up! this could be a stroke of absolute genius and tbf, if miserable Mowbray won us over then this guy’s got a great chance of doing the same thing.

    Welcome to the Midlands Roberto, you have my blessing and full support.

    P.S. Theres a lovely Italian in Walsall, do a bostin’ lasagne.

    Report abuse

  30. 30
    tellitlikeitis

    Could be a good acquisition for you.
    Good luck and lets hope for a Prem derby in 2010/11.

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  31. 31
    Baggieboy80

    Not my first choice but certainly not my last. lets all get behind him from the word go and im sure he will turn out to be a great signing! Lets face it, he has contacts in the game that will attract big signings(hopefully).
    I hope JP backs him with a few quid and get us in the prem with the wolves where we all belong.

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  32. 32
    welsh baggie

    Wasnt expecting this to be honest.

    jeremy peace as much as i hate you i have to say well done on this appointment

    we are goin up say we are goin up

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  33. 33
    DOHR

    Why do the E&S feel the need to report things that haven’t yet happened, as if they have already happened.
    Don’t you see how this makes the paper look ridiculous?
    Yesterday you were confirming Irvine as the Manager, today it’s Matteo.

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  34. 34
    WWFCAllAboutSurvivin

    I think this is a great appointment for you Baggies. He loves playing football and he’ll attract good players too. Well done and good luck for next season and hopefully see you the season after when we are both in the Prem.

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  35. 35
    baggiecm

    This is exactly the same as the Mowbray appointment so why are people surprised? Everyone thought that Dave Jones was nailed on last time and Mowbray was appointed and the same thing happened with Irvine and RDM. Again the interview was paramount and as with Mowbray RDM excelled. I think Peace was right last time and its a good chance he will be right this time.

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  36. 36
    WorcesterWBA

    BBC Sport are reporting that Irvine turned down the job … what does that tell us???

    Report abuse

  37. 37
    Jonboy

    Sky said Irvine turned it down too, not just BBC.

    Report abuse

  38. 38
    WakeyBaggie

    Nice one JP that had all of the press and most of the fans surprised. He will cntinue where TM left off but lets hope he can spot a good centre back. Bring it on.

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  39. 39
    EastCoastBaggie

    Seems a good gamble to me
    we have had “the great escape”
    now we have “the italian job”
    18 ‘crispy’ heard RDiM sing “let me entertain you”
    next year he will sing “we are the champions”

    Report abuse

  40. 40
    Chris

    nothing has been confirmed by the club yet not on the club website or confirmed by sky sports.

    Report abuse

  41. 41
    Baggie Boy

    28.. Di matteo was mentioned by myself and several others 2 weeks ago.just read back sure you will find them

    cant beleive all the doubters on here …would you have had ZOLA…..yes would be the answer he kept West ham in league infact improved on there position under trying circumstances he had very little experience at the time.

    di matteo plays nice exciting football with a mind on good defending.

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  42. 42
    burfmiester

    AGAIN.

    Just to clear it up, RDM was WBA’s 1st choice after discussions yesterday. Alan Irvine, apparently had been told this morning that he was “Unsuccessful” in his application. We have all had that phonecall / letter in our lives haven’t we…. PNE have obviously put a positive spin on this & who can blame them..

    Report abuse

  43. 43
    Throstlehead

    If this is true I find it really exciting. Its totally out of the blue but the more you think about what this guy can bring to the table it starts to feel like the most logical appointment. His reputation, intelligence, style and standing in the game is higher than anyone else we’ve been linked with and you would think he could make the transition from TM’s era smoother than anyone else. Fascinating choice.

    Report abuse

  44. 44
    stevo

    A lesson for job seekers no matter what your cv says, impress at interview !!!

    Report abuse

  45. 45
    Throstlehead

    36, 37. They’re reporting on a Preston statement aren’t they. Not exactly gonna say their manager went for another job but lost out and is now staying on, that’s gonna really impress their fans!

    Report abuse

  46. 46
    Barney

    Sorry Chaps – Irvine didn’t even bother to go for an interview. We didn’t turn him down it was the other way round. Still got to get behind RDM now

    Report abuse

  47. 47
    Matty Langley

    Little experience i know but MK Dons were relegation favorites at the start of last season! Di Matteo is what we need, plays good football and is organised. Most importantly, I think, is that Di Matteo is a big enough name to keep players heads from turning and to buy players on his name soley.

    Everybodies Mowbray Blues will disappear

    Report abuse

  48. 48
    stevo

    A lesson for jobseekers,no matter what your cv says,impress at interview!!!

    Report abuse

  49. 49
    smethwickend steward

    the italian stallion

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  50. 50
    baggieovtipton

    lets not think because he hasnt got a proven record as yet, he isnt very good because i actually think he could be a very good appointment and although JP has had is down points i think he has picked a good manager (thats if its true and E+S dont change minds again) even if you dont think its good lets all get behind the team and support them no matter what, i dnt care about supporters who only watch games when were winning,its about the loyal supporters who go home and away and stay till the final whistle of every game. lets be the 12th man and get us back into the top division and beat the wolves in the prem because lets face it they will stay up they are duin sensible things and buying good players, and another thing, i hope simon cox does join because he will be a real threat in this league and i hope we can form a good strike partnership. COME ON YOU BAGGIES

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  51. 51
    Ellen Di Matteo

    I don’t for one minute think that Irvine turned Albion down, think about it.

    Preston were officially approached, then Irvine came back early from his holiday to the Albion for an interview, when he knew he wasn’t getting the job he then says he doesn’t want it, it’s obvious he’s just trying to win the Preston Fans back. Just like the Robbo scenario. We all know he wants to leave us, but if no-one wants him, what’s he going to say at the start of the season? “It wasn’t my time to leave Albion” was his last excuse! I hope he goes for his own sake, us Albion fans might forget once, but not twice!

    Boing Boing Italiano!

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  52. 52
    Romsley Baggie

    A Song for our new leader……….

    Roberto oooooooohhhhhhhhooooooo
    Roberto oooooooohhhhhhhhooooooo
    He comes from Italy
    Straight to the Black Country!!!!!
    Roberto oooooooohhhhhhhhooooooo

    Boing Boing

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  53. 53
    Bewdley Wolf

    This looks a great move – He is young, intelligent and trying to prove himself as a coach. He could be fantastic for you – as long as your chairman keeps his nose out of team affairs.

    Report abuse

  54. 54
    paullyboy

    If Bobby Di Matteo really is our new gaffer Im well chuffed!

    Report abuse

  55. 55
    Gill Elcock

    Looks like RDM successful over Irvine, with his board trying to save face so that the fan’s don’t turn on him at Preston. If appointment is confirmed, I say lets all give him a chance – no-one really knows what will happen, but it could be the best thing thats happened to our beloved West Brom. Come on Baggie Fans, lets get behind him and get straight back to the Prem. Welcome Roberto, looking forward to style, lots of goals and a good defence (something we never had under TM).

    Report abuse

  56. 56
    Happy_baggie

    14.20 – still not on the official web site…. although its not like the E&S to jump the gun is it ?????

    Report abuse

  57. 57
    Mark Williams

    I’m pleasantly surprised by this. I just hope there’s a bigger role for Michael Appleton in the new set up.

    Report abuse

  58. 58
    Gary Morton

    Word is, Irvine is offered job, subject to interview with Di Matteo. Di Matteo blows the boards socks off with his interview and is obvously an intelectual which will suit JP.
    I think it is a brave but none the less decent appontment. Please forgive the numpty’s who suggest it is a cheap option. Our Chairman has shown time and again a wiilingness to fund his plan. Just remember 5 years ago and think how we have progressed on and off the field.

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  59. 59
    jimbowolf

    If this is true, it’s fab news for you lads, in my opinion Matteo will have a big future as a manager. You guys should look at Reuben Reid up for grabs at Rotherham it’s time for this lad to go on a bigger stage, looks quality only 20. All the best, hope you meet us in the greed league in 2010/2011.

    Report abuse

  60. 60
    Martacus Red

    Great appointment & all you Baggies get behind him.

    Report abuse

  61. 61
    CHESHIRE

    I went to bed last night thinking Alan Irvine was our new manager. But was shocked to find he wasn’t this morning.DI MATTEAO I am afraid I don’t share any confidence in his appointment the next managerial changes at Chelsea and or Italy he will be off in a flash. I however like very much the Italian style of football to keep hold,and pass the ball is the way forward.

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  62. 62
    Chris P Bacon

    If true…a most excellent choice. An intelligent and articulate bloke with an excellent pedigree and who, along with Martinez was considered to be one of the two rising stars in league management. Certain he will be popular with the players becasue I’m sure he will continue to get the team to play football and hats of to JP ‘cos I happen to think he’s played a real blinder in securing Roberto. Time to pour myself a glass of Chianti me thinks !! Ciao baby !!

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  63. 63
    danny wba

    this reminds me of when ozzie ardilles got the job. the most exciting season i can remember.this bloke was a world class player and he can do the same job that ozzie did. good luck

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  64. 64
    Chris P Bacon

    If true…a most excellent choice. An intelligent and articulate bloke with an excellent pedigree and who, along with Martinez was considered to be one of the two rising stars in league management. Certain he will be popular with the players because I’m sure he will continue to get the team to play football and hats of to JP ‘cos I happen to think he’s played a real blinder in securing Roberto. Time to pour myself a glass of Chianti me thinks !! Ciao baby !!

    Report abuse

  65. 65
    baggiepaul1

    Before we all start knocking the bloke, what sort of cv or experience did Giles, Atkinson, Megson or Mowbray have. Lower divisions or first job in Giles case. We all know what comes with “BIG NAMES” and reputations. Think of Bryan Robson Tony Adams John Barnes the list is endless.

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  66. 66
    georgewba

    sky sports said it will be confermed tomorrow

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  67. 67
    danswanseabaggie

    Very very happy with this appointment. He’s playing fantastic football with the MK Dons and must surely have some contacts so bring in quality players from a higher level.

    I suspect that the real reason Irvine hasnt signed is more to do with the fact we have to pay MK Dons a six-figure sum as opposed the seven-figure sum we’d have had to pay Preston. But hey, who cares!! The right appointment in the end!!

    Report abuse

  68. 68
    Roz Wolves

    Excellent appointment if its true, well done baggieboys……hope to see you in the premier league 2010-11

    Report abuse

  69. 69
    Albion Fan 16

    Ciao Roberto

    Welcome to the REAL theatre of dreams!

    Have a great reign as manager! i’m sure you’ll do well and not like that sad ex dingle Ince :P

    P:S can you teach the players the skills and tricks you were renouned 4 at Chelski???

    Report abuse

  70. 70
    Josh

    Brill appointment – good luck

    Report abuse

  71. 71
    H.wednesburybaggie

    LOCAL paper in milton keynes says RDM HAS LEFT MKD FOR WBA ALONG WITH EDDIE NEWTON HIS ASSISTANT…

    Report abuse

  72. 72
    Santa

    Total appoinment! brilliant! why not.A young ambitious manager,eager to please.And very educated to boot.Very clever man.I suppose the new song will be “It’s THE Roberto D’Matteo, Society” sung to the tune of The Itaian Job.We might get some young Italians in and Chelsea fringers.

    Report abuse

  73. 73
    Baggie Ed

    I just hope that during the final minutes of the last match of the season we aren’t on the edge of a cliff & don’t get a “‘ang on a minute lads, I’ve got a great idea. Errr, Errr”

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  74. 74
    BAGGIEBOYNICK

    THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS MAKE ME SICK
    WEVE BEEN HERE BEFORE WITH MEGSON AND MOWBRAY
    YET BOTH PROVED TO BE A HIT
    GOOD LUCK TO DI MATTEO WHO LIKES TO PLAY FOOTBALL AND PLAYED AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL DURING HIS CAREER
    AS FOR EVERYONE MOANING
    KEEP AWAY WE DONT NEED YOU
    BOING BOING

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  75. 75
    Fox in a Box

    Rangers to put 3 mill bid in on Brunt

    Report abuse

  76. 76
    baggiefloyd

    best comment by number “3″, i am too warming to the idea of di matteo. I am really thankful its not irvine too. And for the record that chairman Shaw from Preston is a bit of a fat fibber.

    Irvine didn’t reject us, we rejected him. FACT

    Di Matteo was our 1st choice in the end and it looks like we have our man.

    Boing Boing

    Report abuse

  77. 77
    H.wednesburybaggie

    welcome roberto come on me bambino,feel like ive had the mogga knife pulled out me back at long last. CREDIT TO JP NO ONE SEEN THIS COMING…could have had 16/1 this morning…

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  78. 78
    Cyrille

    In a word….CHEAP!

    I’m surprised Peace didn’t give it to Bryan Robson!

    Terrible appointment!

    PEACE OUT!!!

    Report abuse

  79. 79
    Santa

    Bl88du ‘ell 78. give the guy a break.Start moaning in November if we are not in the top 6.Anyway Robsons got a job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report abuse

  80. 80
    Happy_baggie

    The amount of sad dings posting under assumed names on every story is getting very boring now.

    I do feel a bit sorry for them cos they have just broken their transfer record (for Reading’s striker – hmmm) and no one here is remotely bothered cos of our brilliant news – its gotta be frustrating for them.

    All close season we have heard how they are gonna do things different to us – and yes, they have signed a championship striker and a 37 year old keeper….. great !!

    You can almost taste the bitterness when our new manager is still a better footballer than 95% of their players – LOVIN IT !!!!!

    Report abuse

  81. 81
    H.wednesburybaggie

    ON DAYS LIKE THIS WHEN FIELDS ARE GREEN AND SKIES ARE BLUE DOOOODOOOODOOOODOOODOOODOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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  82. 82
    Lichfield Baggie

    Gobsmacked thrilled cant wait for the season to start!!! Hope this makes the like of Brunt think twice before jumping ship.We have got football at the highest level RDM your more than welcome to join the Shrine.Bring it on we will be with you now get started sort out all the rubbish get who you want in place not JP Albion till i die

    Report abuse

  83. 83
    Baggieitalia

    Im amazed if Irvine turned down the job to stay at PNE.We have better finances, better squard and a much better youth so it is strange someone would turn it down.
    Im still happy with the appintment of RDM as i like young up and coming Managers and i hope baggies fans dont jump on his back if things dont go well at first.We do have a long term plan so i hope you all remember that.
    Back the manager all the way to the prem.

    There are alot of Dingles on a Baggies page,you think they would be minding there own business.

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  84. 84
    Fletch the Baggie

    At first I thought here we go again, JP being too tight, and Irvine having second thoughts, now it seems RDM was the first choice.
    I am feeling quite excited by this… The players will have respect for a proven international player and winner, this could be the start of something very good…

    Report abuse

  85. 85
    S T E V I E B4 W.B.A

    Well done JP, if we’ve got our man, lets get behind him. Thank god its not the DJSkum, Irvine(we don’t need another jock) and the rest of the other rejects. He’s shown that he believes in a good brand of football, and maybe we’ll start being able to defend now.

    ONLY problem is at the back of my mind – IF he lives the dream with us CHELSKI could come calling in a couple of years. RDM and ZOLA at the bridge, bet the Cotneys would love that one day. IF this is all true I’m sure he’ll bring a few crackers in – Like someone posted earlier, Meresca, but it could only be a loan deal.

    Anyway all the best Roberto Baggio – see you at the Mighty Hawthorns next season.

    BOING B o i n g.

    Report abuse

  86. 86
    Cyril Randle

    No.78 Could you please change your name. I have no wish to share my name with you and I am damn sure Cyrille Regis wouldn’t want to. Or are you a Wulfie? They wouldn’t be happy you using Big Cyrille’s name to post hate mail. He was their man too.

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  87. 87
    carly g

    sadbaggie chill man/girl!i don’t think it’s a bad move? if anyone can convince certain players to stay it’s got to be a respected ex world rated player like RDM? who’s been there & won that? as for mowbray? we could have stayed up last season? sometimes you get an itch that needs to be scratched..but he got the players to rub! good luck boys no matter what happens im gona be a blackman baggie for life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  88. 88
    Nedball

    I just hope that the reasons for offering him the job are the right one’s and he is seen as the right candidate to take the club forward, not as some people think and have commented a ‘cheap’ option.

    Welcome to the Shrine Roberto, you weren’t my 1st choice I’ll freely admit, but you have my backing 100% and I trust in JP to find the right man for the job.

    Forza Albion!!!

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  89. 89
    bobby d

    Happy Baggie,
    Why dont you concern yourself with what your doing
    and we will do our business.
    all i will say, no track record, big gamble, but
    suits a yes man to Mr Peace.

    Report abuse

  90. 90
    MK Army

    Good luck Robbie but beware of the MK curse. Martin Allen to Leicester = Sacked, Paul Ince to Blackburn = Sacked, RDM = ? We wish you the best but remember, life ends north of the Watford Gap and they all talk and look like Noddy Holder!

    Report abuse

  91. 91
    Baggie Rich

    Great appointment!! I’m well happy!!

    78. Cyrille: Why? You must be a Dingle!!

    Can’t wait for the start of the new season, hopefully the same brand of football we’ve been used to with a bit of steel at the back!!!

    BOING BOING!!!!!!

    Report abuse

  92. 92
    Baggiebob

    Where did that bolt come from?

    Okay, the top two candidates failed to gain promotion last season; one was under Moyes and the other has a season in League One.

    I’ve conducted many interviews; so Roberto can sell his pitch – he produced on the pitch, now can he command a Premier League team-in-waiting pitchside?

    I’m bemused more than anything – will he succeed? At this stage, as Michael Caine might say, “Not alot of people know that…”

    Report abuse

  93. 93
    Robbie WBA

    Come on SOME Baggies fans you are getting blinded by ambition I remember standing on the terraces watching the Gould era and thinking to myself will we ever be great again, Peace has got his Knockers and I’ve had a rant myself over some of the signings we never got but to be truely honest on the rest of his duty’s as Chairman he has done wonders for this club We have moved mountains compared to where we was back then. Roberto may not have the credentials as a top manager, but none can say that as a player and every young manager has to start somewhere, If he’s half as successful as a manager as he was a player he gets my vote. COME ON GET BEHIND HIM FROM THE OFF and let the football do the talking here’s to the Di Metteo era Boing Boing!!!!

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  94. 94
    Robbie WBA

    Di Matteo Era Whoops Sorry Roberto LOL

    Report abuse

  95. 95
    Westport Wolf

    If this is true – exciting times ahead for you lot. I hope for your sake, it’s not all passing flair and no goals again like last season. I’m fairly confident Wolves can stay up, so you better hope this bloke can do the busines so we can all finally enjoy a premier league black country derby. I sickens my backside that the two brummie teams meet in the prem again and we never do.

    Report abuse

  96. 96
    Happy-baggie

    85 – Roberto BAGGIO ???????? Have we signed him too ????

    Report abuse

  97. 97
    MortyBaggie68

    To all the Dingles posting under the guise of Baggies……You wish. RDM is a good appointment, we will continue to play the beautiful game as it should be played (though hopefully defend better) and you lot can put a shift in till the end of October when it will be curtains for you – again £6.5 mill for a player who could not get into a poor end of season Reading team – Desperate or what

    Report abuse

  98. 98
    albion83

    Very surprised but like the majority of supporters very excited and looking forward again to the start of the season.good luck ROBERTO and hears to a good season
    BRING IT ON!!!!!

    Report abuse

  99. 99
    robhindmarsh

    well i think the board have got a good manager for you, and he probley came cheap.hope it works out

    Report abuse

  100. 100
    danobaggs

    I am excited about this guy as manager and even more so after reading this. Yes I am concerned about his lack of experience, I have slight doubts. Im not sure if MK Dons was his only managerial job??

    But look at good points:
    * Sounds enthusiastic and says the right things
    * Young and hungary 2 make an impression
    * Has contacts & able to get big names
    * And most of all plays the right way, with flare, style & attacking ambition. Was 2nd highest scoring team in country (sound familiar?) Is it true they also had best defence?? If so then c’mon…Wow!! Juat what we need.

    If nothing else look at the reaction on this page, its not even official yet but its mostly positive! Dont remember Irive gettin this enthusiasm when he was all but announced as manager.

    Speaking of Irvine, of course he’s gonna say he rejected a move now! If its true that Di Matteo impressed in interview & knocked Irvine off top spot, then the board would have had 2 tell him its not goin 2 happen. So he’s gotta go back 2 Preston, what else is he gonna say?? “I wanted 2 go but they didnt want me in the end” I dont think so!

    Now lets wait for confirmation and get behind the new manager! (Including u negative lot) and lets look forward 2 next chapter. BOING BOING!!

    Report abuse

  101. 101
    Shropshirebaggie

    As far as I am concerned this is all speculation, no official word on the website indicates that no appointment has been made yet.

    Hold on to your horses until its official chaps!

    Report abuse

  102. 102
    ValeroLovesBrom

    If Zola can become a top flight manager then I
    dont see why Di Matteo cant either.
    Hopefully its going to be another exciting season
    for us and Iam looking forward to seeing a brand
    new Albion set up.

    DANIELS,ZUIVERLOON,MARTIS,OLSSON,CECH,
    MOORE,TEIXEIRA,GREENING,KOREN,BRUNT,BEDNAR.

    Report abuse

  103. 103
    John the baggy boy

    What a rubbish appointment, I really wanted Darren Ferguson to come oh well you can’t ask him to drop to our standard of football. I hope he’s not here long! All the best to Wolves, Aston Villa and the mighty BC. Love Jonny xBcx

    Report abuse

  104. 104
    albion yoo ha

    baggy boys 4 get the dingle comments,their obviously more concerned about us cos they know their seasons already over.SO COME ON AND LETS BACK ROBBIE THE BAGGIE WAY AND GO FOR IT. PS A BIG BLACK COUNTRY WELCOME TO YOU ROBERTO.

    Report abuse

  105. 105
    eddiewba

    8 – sadbaggie. If a player of Roberto Di Matteo’s stature cannot convince some of the lads to stay then noone can. The players will look upto him because of his playing days. He was an exciting player and I think he will do a good job. Good luck mate.

    Report abuse

  106. 106
    pierre

    I do not undertsand this ..west brom appoint R.D Matteo as thier manager and west brom fans are Happy, but you do not want paul Ince , what is the difference?

    Report abuse

  107. 107
    baggiepaul1

    Pierre,106, did you see Blackburn under Ince?????

    Report abuse

  108. 108
    Albion Fan 16

    Anyone know whats happened to Dan Harris? RDM has bought in his fellow Fitness coach

    Report abuse

  109. 109
    Grace

    13,80

    Now now Happy, no need for that, play nicely!!!!

    Seroiusly though, whilst I think you lot have taken a bit of a gamble, this guy was a very good player & has had a great up bringing in the game & should do well for you.

    Genuinely, good luck for next season, still think you guy will get promoted.

    Report abuse

  110. 110
    Danny

    He was a great player but an unproven manager. We need someone with experience who can get a team into the premier league and keep us there. I dont know why so many of you were against Adie Boothroyd, he would of been perfect.

    Report abuse

  111. 111
    Baggie Boy

    Happy Baggie (post 56) shame on you sir!!!!!

    how could you doubt our wonderful Express and star would get the story right oh ye of little faith …lol

    now repeat after me… I will never doubt the E&S again…. 100 times..

    Report abuse

  112. 112
    Happy_baggie

    Grace 109 – sorry :-( but thanks for the kind words.

    Danny 110 – its fans like you that confuse me…. you say you want someone with proven experience of keeping a team in the prem – and then suggest Aidy Boothroyd – a manager famous only for getting relegated after 1 season with one of the lowest points totals ever… yeah he’s perfect !!!!

    Report abuse

  113. 113
    Chippy Baggie

    We don’t need comments from Dingle’s on this – keep your noses out. RDM is a brave choice, but JP has proved all of us wrong over the years. Good luck…leave Denis Wise where he is

    Report abuse

  114. 114
    Grace

    113

    Why don’t you grow up???

    No wonder there are more police than fans at our games with idiots like you stirring ill feeling.

    Think about it!!!!

    Report abuse



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