Marek Cech’s Albion future uncertain

Thursday 25th November 2010, 11:00AM GMT.

Marek Cech’s Albion future uncertain

Albion defender Marek Cech has admitted his future at the Hawthorns is uncertain by revealing that contract talks have stalled.

But the full-back insisted he is happy to focus on on-field issues in the hope he can kick-start discussions on a new deal.

The Slovakia international, who is vying with Nicky Shorey for the Baggies’ left-back berth, confirmed summer talks over an extension to his current contract failed to yield an agreement.

And the 27-year-old, whose existing deal includes a one-year option in the club’s favour, admitted he is unsure when negotiations will resume – but insisted he is relaxed about the situation.

He said: “My contract finishes at the end of this season but at the moment I am not thinking about it. We are concentrating on the Premier League and how we will do.

“At the beginning of the season we spoke about prolonging my contract but we didn’t reach an agreement.

“Maybe we will return to it in the winter or maybe next summer, we will see. But now I am concentrating on my play in the Premier League after my injury. That is the most important thing.

“The club have a one-year option so they could take that up, but they don’t have to.

“Everything is good at the moment but football can change very quickly.”

Cech’s extra height earned him a recall at Shorey’s expense for the meeting with Stoke at the weekend, after a broken metatarsal for the former Porto man had allowed Shorey to establish his credentials at left-back.

The pair, who have both performed well so far, now look set for an extended fight for a first-team spot.

Cech’s injury, in the Carling Cup at Leyton Orient, came after he had been given the first chance to cement a place but he is remaining philosophical.

He said: “I think Nicky’s chance would have come sooner or later.

“Even if I hadn’t got injured, we have a lot of games and the coach would probably have wanted to try Nicky in the Premier League.

“It was better for him that I got injured because he got the chance to play almost straight away, but I don’t think it would have taken him a long time to play anyway.

“It is good competition and you need that in every position, otherwise if you get injured the team struggles.”


  1. 1
    The Hoff

    Like many people, I was surprised to see him preferred over Shorey for the last match, but he had a good game and he certainly offers us much more going forward than Shorey. On balance, I would probably go for Shorey at left back in most situations but he’s worth having on the bench for his versatility.

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  2. 2
    Happy_baggie

    With the option of the extra year Cech effectivley has 18 months left on his contract and Albion rarely negotiate that early – also although he is a good player he is not guarenteed a start so there is little or no pressure on JP to worry about it yet.

    Therefore its a nothing story and just a player (or agent) letting teams know whats happening just in case.

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  3. 3
    JACK the HAT.

    We have two first class left-backs. I know another club that would give their eye teeth just for one.

    Glad to see Dorrans progressing toward top form. We need an inform Dorrans in the team.

    BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.

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  4. 4
    JtH Headmaster

    Jack. Who are you informing then? Oh I see you mean “in form” Will you learn to write a sentence correctly? How many more times do you have to be told?

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  5. 5
    Cyril Randle

    4Headmaster. I think a comma after ‘Oh’ would be appreciated by the reader Sir. The dramatic effect is emphasised by the pause and the elongation of the word ‘Oh’. Alternatively, you may think a comma after ‘see’ would catch the reader’s attention, although with a slightly less commanding effect. Discuss.

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  6. 6
    alex baggie

    I’m a bit concerned about the loan exodus. I hope we have sufficient strength come the new year. Are we likely to strengthen in January? Although I would like to see more quality come in, I have my reservations as to whether this will happen…

    Am I the only one concerned that Bednar is not likely to come back? Has he really burned his bridges or does he deserve another chance? I’m not convinced that he has had a fair crack of the whip this season.

    As for Cech, I think he is an important player for us and we should try to do what we can to keep him. How many full back’s are currently available with his strengths and for a good price?

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  7. 7
    SIR TERRY BAGGIE

    4, yow must av bin the hedmaster at my skool,ope Cyril put ya rite,aye boing boing

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  8. 8
    JtH Headmaster

    Squirrel.Still coming to terms with my new very sensitive laptop. Before I had chance to correct it, as I always try to do it had been sent. Hope that it explains my grammatical errors.
    Terry I have no comment to make to your pathetic comments what so ever.

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  9. 9
    gaz

    4 and 8, u(see how i can’t spell) are a sad man! discuss that?!

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  10. 10
    JACK the HAT.

    (4)
    Headless,
    Go to ” Molineux rebuild no factor for boss ” blog, post (63), Then to my post on the same string, then tell me again how to spell ” Unmitigated “. Duffer,
    Or are you going to blame your laptop again, for your incompetence.

    BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.

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  11. 11
    JtH Headmaster

    10 DUFFER.I was NOT, repeat NOT correcting your spelling of the word “unmitigated” I was advising you that it was being used in the wrong CONTEXT. Understand? No thought not.

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