One Carew doesn’t make a summer

Friday 21st January 2011, 9:09AM GMT.

Albion's January transfer window started with a very keen pursuit of out-of-favour Villa striker John Carew, who chose Stoke over the Baggies.
Albion's January transfer window started with a very keen pursuit of out-of-favour Villa striker John Carew, who chose Stoke over the Baggies.

Albion blogger Jarrod Hill believes the Premier League survival fight will not begin and end with the Baggies’ pursuit of John Carew.

As we prepare for our game with Blackburn on Sunday afternoon, it’s our transfer dealings that has held every Albion fans’ focus this week.

By the time you are reading this blog, the John Carew saga may well have come to a conclusion, but it looks like the big Villa target man is going to sign for Stoke.

It would represent a disappointing end to what has been a very public chase of boss Roberto Di Matteo’s number one target.

It has been made clear that we need more options in the striker department, but I would urge all Albion fans not to be too reactionary regarding the outcome of our pursuit of Carew.

I do believe if he signs for us he would be a very valuable part of our squad, as he offers something we do not currently have but, on the other hand, if he does not sign for us we still have plenty of time to approach other targets.

Basically, I do not feel the need to react strongly either way this transfer ends and I do not believe, as I have read this week, that our Premier League survival depends on it.

The transfer of Darren Bent from Sunderland to Villa has sparked this transfer window into life and I am hopeful of seeing at least one new face arrive before the end of January.

The money that Villa have paid for Bent, along with the reported wages being paid to Wayne Bridge at West Ham, has served to highlight the financial disparity between ourselves and other teams battling the drop.

But the truth is I have faith in the club’s transfer dealings and only need look at some of the bargains within our squad to appreciate that a large transfer fee doesn’t necessarily bring success. So let’s wait and see what happens in the next week or so.

This Sunday’s game is an opportunity to put right one of our poorest performances of the season. When we lost 3-1 at home to Blackburn just a few weeks ago I was apoplectic with anger, just ask Pete ‘Hilltop Baggie’ Danckert, who is still regaining his hearing in his right ear!

What annoyed me more than any other game this season was our naivety. It was like we had never had Blackburn watched and had no idea what they were all about.

Their first goal came from a long punt up field and the next two from set pieces. In between each box we completely outplayed them, but unfortunately that doesn’t bring us any points and this Sunday we need to match them physically before we can let our football take over.

Jonas Olsson is back available and I would play him alongside Gabriel Tamas at centre half. It would allow us to move Paul Scharner into midfield and, with extra height in the side, it would help us counteract their threat at set pieces.

Blackburn are the archetypal side we struggle against, maybe because they are very Stoke-like in their make up.

This game gives Di Matteo and his team the perfect opportunity to not only get three points and pull clear of danger, but also prove that they are not the soft-bellied powderpuff team we continually witnessed under Tony Mowbray.

Evolution not revolution is what we want and, if the lads have been practising set pieces all week, we may just get a result.

I remain hopeful as ever and hope is a key word within all Albion fans’ vocabulary. I hope for three points, I hope to see a new striker arrive and I hope he will help keep us up this season. I just don’t know who it will be?

Keep the faith, up the Baggies!


  1. 1
    The Hoff

    Spot on regarding Carew and your comments on the Blackburn game. The first match against them was a typical Mowbray performance and had me worried for a while that we were slipping back into old ways – but I don’t think we are.
    I agree with slotting Scharner back into the midfield, particularly for this sort of game. Morrison could count himself a little unlucky to be the man to be left out as he has scored a couple recently, but I’m not convinced that he is the man to play in the advanced midfield role and he could easily get muscled out of it by a team like Blackburn. I would go with Dorrans in this role and not be afraid to bring on Cox with plenty of time to go if we need a goal.

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  2. 2
    Chris Cross with Tchoyi Massive Head Masseur

    great blog, hit the nail right on the head, Yes i wish we could compete in the transfer market and spend the millions but im just glad i have a team to support that is run well and to its limits, just the thought of signing Carew on high wages is a glimmer of moving in the right direction, fingers crossed DA & RDM can pull out a gem or 2, however the squad at present have proved they can compete on the pitch and thats enough for me.

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  3. 3
    Wall Heath Baggie

    GOOD MORNING JARROD

    Excellent blog today with an awful lot of common sense. Carew’s wages bring home the problems we face but very rarely does a player move from Villa to Albion and make an impact ( Super Kev being the exception).Carew is known to like the bright lights as well , so perhaps missing out a’int the disaster many will make of it.
    I would not be surprised to see a couple of signings next week to bolster our hopes.
    Keep the faith brothers.

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  4. 4
    Robin Brittain

    Disappointing , but no great surprise that he is apparently joining Stoke . He has previously refused advances from the Albion when Garry Megson was in charge. As you say Jarrod I think we must retain faith in the management team to find another striker and I think they will look abroad to get better value. Carew is apparently to be paid £52,000. 00 a week at Stoke a figure which might not please some of his new team mates.

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  5. 5
    Happy_baggie

    It’s a strange situation…. everyone knows we need another striker – but most people also agree we have the best striker of any prem campaign so far in St peter… so all we need is a back up for him.

    Does our season or prem safety depend on getting this player in ??? Only time will tell P.O can remain fit and confident.

    In all other departments we seem to be well covered as our injuries and suspensions return.

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  6. 6
    Medway Baggie

    What worries me will be the reaction from some of the fans…aka Villa, Brum, Wolves etc have all signed players and we’ve done nothing. Get real. There are ten days left and, as Jarrod says, it’s not the end of the world if nobody comes in. There are a few regulars who state, and I agree with them, that this is basically the same team that did wonders in the first part of the season. To be honest I think that the result at Blackpool away is what did us. If the ref hadn’t had a poor game and ruined what would have been an excellent game which we probably would have won then the following results would probably have gone our way, but we didn’t and they didn’t. We still have a great chance of staying up, we haven’t been in the relegation zone this season and the team looks like getting it’s confidence back.
    Lets’ just back the team and the staff to do the right thing.

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  7. 7
    Medway Baggie

    Apologies for the typo at the end, my system is running very slow and I missed it.

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  8. 8
    carly g

    £52,000 a week? Is Carew worth that kind of wage at the moment? I’m still trying to get over Darren Bent’s £24 million price tag..shocking!

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  9. 9
    Happy_baggie

    Just to repeat what I said on a previous thread – I can’t see a need for any more defenders at present with a choice of jara / Zuivi at RB, Olsson/tamas/Pablo/Sharner at CB, and Cech/shorey at LB..

    Better to keep our limited budget for the area we need cover – up front and look at the defence again in the summer.

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  10. 10
    wbabomber

    Mulumbu signing a new deal is great news.
    Oh and number 2, please explain your tag name, i like it, i just dont know why?

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  11. 11
    Tchoyi's Massive Head

    Yet again, another great blog. Highlight of my week.

    This weekend I would play Olsson with Tamas at the back and move Scharner into the defensive midfield role with the mighty Mulumbu. This is how it was played earlier in the season when we were at our high-flying best. I don’t know what it is with Ibanez but he had a couple of dodgy performances at the start of the season and he worries me a touch. Give him time and he’ll come good. Morrison has gone of the boil recently so he’d drop to the bench imo. He may have chipped in a couple of goals but his all round performance has dropped.

    Chris, I will allow you to drop the Tchoyi’s Massive Head Masseur bit of your name. I’m sure it’ll get a bit tedious typing that out each time. I’m already considering changing my name to TMH.

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  12. 12
    wbabomber

    Medway

    Agree 100% re the Blackpool game being the catalyst for a downturn in form and results.

    I also think that for the amount of money reported for Carews wages we will have other options in mind, possibly throughout Europe. Carew was probably RDM`s number one target due to his experience of the PL.

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  13. 13
    Wall Heath Baggie

    MEDWAY BAGGIE

    There are to many of our supporters who worry about what goes on at the Wolves etc , who is to say that Darren Bent will be a success at Villa for instance.

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  14. 14
    wbabomber

    Tchoyis Massive Head

    Thank you for the compliment, but maybe you should consider getting out more!!

    I agree with you regarding Morrison. He remains a bit of an enigma, in terms of what is his best position??

    He has chipped in with a couple of goals in recent weeks but i would prefer to see Dorrans as the most forward midfielder, and lets face it he is due a goal!!

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  15. 15
    Chris Cross

    Bomber, it is a long story on the Olsson thread, just went on a different angle away from football onto nicknames. ill stick with this simple 1, simple is good for me.

    Is Santa Cruz available for Blackburn this weekend ?

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  16. 16
    Happy_baggie

    Regards our local rivals transfer activitiy –

    Blues have signed no one and have shown themselves up over the Robbie keane fiasco – Wolves have signed a decent championship winger to go with all their other decent championship wingers and Villa have lost their minds by paying £24 million for Bent when for that Money you could probably get Drogba…..#

    As for £52k a week for Carew…… its just desperation from Stoke, but they can afford it.

    So am I concerned…… no way !!!

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  17. 17
    Nottm Baggie

    I was looking on the ‘sky Sports Transfer’ page & Sunderland have bid 3m for Fuller so it looks as though Carew will go to Stoke. I wonder if Bruce rang Pullis?? Earlier in the season the E & S reported we were looking at Tuncay who I think would compliment our side. I appreciate he aint a ‘Battering Ram’ like Carew but has some decent touches. It’s nice to see Chris Woods doing well as I think he could fill that void when he’s gained a bit more experience. I’m looking forward to Sunday as I think it will be a measure of how we will fair in weeks to come as long as injuries & suspensions don’t ruin our set up. One excellent piece of business is YM agreeing a new deal. UTB

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  18. 18
    Warren

    Another excellent blog Jarrod, I think it’s worth remembering that John Carew or A.N.Other is likely to be brought in as a PLAN B and not a PLAN A, we’re unlikely to find anybody better than Odemwingie at the moment and the idea with Carew was to mix it up when we’re chasing the game and our final ball has to be a cross into a packed area.

    If St. Peter stays fit for the next month then I suspect any new signing would initially only be playing a bit part anyway so we should concentrate on getting behind them for some massive games rather than running down the chairman for things completely out of his control. That’s of course not to say a bit of competition or an alternative wouldn’t be a good thing!!

    I’ve just been over the dark side, there’s a post written without any hint of sarcasm whatsoever that reads “We are Wolves, one of the greatest clubs in the world, we should never be happy with losing!!”. They’re so full of it, it never ceases to amaze!!

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  19. 19
    Wall Heath Baggie

    WARREN OF MANCUNIA

    I thought PLAN B was a rap artist !!!.

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  20. 20
    Medway Baggie

    Oops got caught out, but I thought Brum had done something. Anyway my point was some fans moaning that we hadn’t done anything and trying to preempt it. I know, a hopeless task.
    I agree with what Wall Heath said about Bent and Wolves (by the way, I used to live in Wordsley which isn’t far from Wall Heath before I moved south).
    Nottm, living in the Meridian Area I keep tabs on how Chris Wood is playing and the reports are good.

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  21. 21
    wbabomber

    Chris Cross

    Yep Cruz is on standby to make his debut along with Jermaine Jones.

    Notts Baggie

    Tuncay was rumoured during the summer to be someone we considered.

    Warren

    Alright kidda?? I think we are on the same page re this transfer window, the only thing that does worry me is the distant memory of one January transfer window when we sold Earnshaw and the Horse at the last hour and replaced them with nobody, anything but a repeat of that transfer mix up would be appreciated!!!

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  22. 22
    Warren

    Wall Heath

    You’re right, though having heard his ridiculous gangster-speak in interviews I’d rather go for plan C or any other plan for that matter.

    I’m not really into my rap music, but thinking about it Kris Kross (Chris Chross) was a rap artist, as was Warren G many people have reminded me over the years. Post 8 Carly G sounds like one. Then there’s The Notorious RBH (Real Bully Hoo). I’m not sure there are many rappers called anything similar to Cyril Randle though.

    I just read that Carew’s definitely signed for Stoke.

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  23. 23
    Tchoyi's Massive Head

    Jarrod, I have spent the last two weeks recovering from an op so trust me, reading stuff on the internet has been the highlight of my week. In fact, your ‘feeling’ that we’d get something against Blackpool was one of the reasons I attended so I must thank you!

    Regarding Morrison, when we play a settled midfield, I’m fairly sure most Baggies fans would prefer it to include Dorrans, JT, Mulumbu, Brunt and Scharner. We looked like we missed him at the start of the season when he was out with his foot injury but we can live without him now. He’s excellent backup for injuries and suspensions though.

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  24. 24
    CantelloRocket 78

    18 Warren- regarding the dingles ‘we are one of the greatest clubs in the world’,ask them when they last made an impact in the Champion’s League? For that matter,when did they last play in Europe? And a five-a-side on the beach in Benidorm during last summer’s hols. doesn’t count.

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  25. 25
    CantelloRocket 78

    19 WHB- No chance of us getting PLAN B- he’d cost us more than Carew.

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  26. 26
    Medway Baggie

    Oops, dropped a goollie. I thought Brum had done something. Anyway my point was trying to preempt the moaning. I know a hopeless task.
    I agree with Wall Heath about Bent and Wolves (by the way, I used to live in Wordsley which isn’t far from Wall Heath before I moved South).
    Nottm, as I live in the Meridian TV region I get reports on how Chris Woods is doing at Brighton and he is doing very well.

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  27. 27
    CantelloRocket 78

    Let’s face it,opinion was already mixed about Carew.He’s got a decent PAST record,but on the down side,he tends to be injury prone,is the wrong side of thirty,and I don’t think he’s scored this season? I watched him against Blues last week,and he made little impact,I think Roger Johnson beat him to almost every header,and he was subbed with 20 minutes left.We’ll never know if he’d have been a success or a big flop,but it’s now past history,so forget him and let’s move on.It could be that the striker we DO sign,and I’m sure there’s gonna be one,will be a much better player,and yet again,the other clubs will be saying ‘where do you keep getting them from?’.

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  28. 28
    Happy_baggie

    TMH – if you base your attendance at games on Bomber’s “positive feelings”, most of us on here can tell you that you will be missing a lot of games !!!!!!!!

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  29. 29
    AJM

    It may not be the end of the world,but if we dont bring somone in it will be the end of the prem.

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  30. 30
    Happy_baggie

    29 – can you back up that statement cos i don’t see how not getting what is clearly just another back-up striker will get us relegated.

    I am now in no doubt that you are LW with just another alias – i see he is also on the wolves boards getting stick so not a good day for you all round is it !!!

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  31. 31
    TonyC

    Don’t mean to be picky, but didn’t blues sign Bentley…?

    I know Ish & Bednar have come in for stick, but didn’t both of them weigh in with about 6 goals last time we were in the prem …?

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  32. 32
    flow

    paying those wages to carew he would have upset the apple cart in the dressing room

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  33. 33
    Wall Heath Baggie

    AJM

    I bet ‘shiny happy people’ a’int your favourite song , indeed you are starting to make me look positive in comparison.
    Another for Kev’s healing hands methinks.

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  34. 34
    Barnsley Baggie

    Is it something in the air down there in the Midlands? we don’t need another forward, we need a decent defender or two.

    Which part of 41 goals conceded, don’t you understand. Give Bendar or Cox a run in the team. goalscorers don’t become bad overnight. Give them some service. And please don’t preach to me about how hard it is in the Premier league compared to the Championship. Apart from 5 or 6 teams, the rest is mediocre. the last two times we got relegated, it was three from about five teams. This time it’s about three from 10 teams. So wake up and smell the coffee RDM.

    C’mon you Baggies

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  35. 35
    Happy_baggie

    31 – drat I forgot about him – apologies to medway who clearly has more brain cells than I.

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  36. 36
    wbabomber

    Happy Baggie

    lmao, my positive feelings may be rare but when i get them they tend to be correct!!

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  37. 37
    Warren

    Tony C

    Blues did sign Bentley, but that’s with an owner who’s going to end up subsidising their payroll as I can’t see how they earn any more than us in turnover and we barely break even.
    Perhaps he thinks the name Birmingham is enough to turn them into a big club and doesn’t understand the West Mids footballing demographics? The Blackburn owners have a similar problem.

    AJM

    If you are an Albion fan you’ve got a funny way of showing it.

    Flow

    Not just his wages that might’ve upset the apple cart, have you seen the size of him? If he got on the cart he’d tip it over.

    TMH

    If you’re poor or tight, keep following Bomber’s instincts for deciding which games to go to. If you’re got more money than sense, try following Hill Top’s, you won’t miss a game!!

    CR78

    That’s harsh, Wolves have made a big impact in Europe in the last 12 months. They smashed Charleroi up in pre-season and pumped several thousand pounds into the ailing Belgian economy via a J. Van Damne.

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  38. 38
    astleistheking

    Shame Carew aint coming but erm I know a silly shout but what about Roman Bednar? didn’t he score a few for us before whilst in the Premiership?

    When played Blackburn over Xmas the game was wide open for ages with their keeper playing a blinder so I don’t think it’s such a tall order for us.

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  39. 39
    baggie birder

    Cant say I’m not disappointed in JC choosing Stoke over us RDM obviously saw him as some one who would make a difference in our survival battle.But as been stated we have to accept were we are in the pecking order in this league.Im also encouraged by the fact that we are trying to bring in players of that caliber and on high wages.Still plenty of time to strengthen our squad so lets reserve our judgement on our ambition to establish ourselves in this league.

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  40. 40
    Tait

    Albion signings are always better when us fans and the media do not know about them. Carew has been linked with us has been all over the media since Jan 1st, whenever that happens we never get the player. £52,000 a week is way out of our reaches so can understand why we havent signed him. Ssssshhhhhhh, and we hopefully can get someone who will benefit the team and make us all very Happy.
    Will take a draw Sunday, but hopefully 3 more point.
    Boing Boing

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  41. 41
    Steve Poole Baggie

    Another good blog Jarrod and some interesting posts to follow. Carew? Well, we will never know – he would have given us a plan B but maybe we might have become too one dimensional in hitting long balls to him. At Stoke he probably just fancies getting his head on the Delap’s throw in – not too much running about for him there. Hopefully Sunday Olssen will be back to partner Tamas who always seems so much more confident when Jonas is in the defence. Scharner can partner Mulumbu. This will result in dropping one of Morrison or Dorrans. Like most of the posts above I would play Dorrans as although JM has nicked a couple of goals lately, I don’t think ke has played well for a few weeks. We are close to having a fully fit sqaud. Hopefully Steven Reid is not a million miles away. He gives us quite a lot as he is pretty adaptable, whether defence or midfield.
    We do need a foward badly. That is pretty obvious and I think the bext 10 days will be interesting as with some of the recent trasnfer movements will only add to some supporters demanding the spending of silly money and wages on a player that can’t get into his own club. I see this as panic buying. We are not too far from being a decent premier league team. We have the capabilities of comfortably staying in this league. The addition of a forward, a turn in fortune with injuries and some improved discipline on suspensions and I honestly think that we will be fine.
    Come on you baggies!

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  42. 42
    wbabomber

    Just been over onto the Wolves blog. Omg, laughing wolf is making a fool of himself again and while we are having a bit of a chat regarding the transfer window the dings are on a witch hunt amongst themselves to disover wo are REALLY Wolves fans and who are Albion fans. If they are turning on themselves now god knows what will happen if they get relegated??
    Honestly you couldnt make it up, but it does make for very comedic reading, almost as good as a Spike Milligan novel.

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  43. 43
    Warren

    Barnsley Baggie

    The old Yorkshire tradition of not giving much away must be rubbing off on you.

    I see what you’re saying, but if you scratch off some of that goals conceded column, you scratch off some from the goals scored column.

    It’s about how we play, how we set up, not just the personnel.

    By your logic, Craddock, Stearman, Elokobi and Zubar are better players than Jara, Tamas, Olsson and Cech because they’ve conceded less. I personally don’t buy that at all. Our four have a lot more space to defend than theirs based on how far up the pitch we play.

    I’m not saying lets not improve if we can, but for who were are and what wer’e looking to achieve, I don’t think there’s a fundamental problem with the personnel of the back four.

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  44. 44
    WarandPeace

    I think Carew is a good player, would have given us something different and would have been a decent addition to our squad. But I’m not going to get downhearted about his predictable move to Stoke. On the contrary, today I’m pleased Mulumbu has signed a new deal. That’s what the Baggies have to do, find the gems, nurture and keep them. We have some cracking players, play some great football and are a well run club. Lets keep everything in perspective. Another striker would be nice though. Dan Ashworth, get your binoculars out again son!!

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  45. 45
    klunk71

    excellent blog as always bomber, i for one an glad we have not signed Carew, we have only jusy got rid of the last over priced, over rated lazy, self centred ex villa primadonna, so glad we have not fallen into the same trap. I cannot believe that RDM was placing all of his eggs in one basket and think he will have other targets in mind, i would also be very reluctant to let Miller go out on loan as i think we may need all of our striking options and we dont want to help warnock in any way do we. Hopefully we shall have someone in before the end of january but if not then the player we have in now hav done us well thus far, lets see how far they can take us and if it is not good enough then so be it, at least we would not have a merecenary like Carew sucking the life out of the club with unwarranted wage demands.

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  46. 46
    wbabomber

    Warren

    Your right mate, i am somewhat of a pessimist and Pete Hilltop Danckert is nothing short of a positive 100%, smiling, happy baggie who can convince the worst doom mongerer that we will win.
    What is even funnier is that our season tickets are side by side (not by chance). What happens at games is a bit like a war of good versus evil and our personas fight like cat and dog for 90+minutes. Fans nearby edge slightly away from us (including Laura, my better half) thinking that a vortex may be generated from the confusion of aura we generate that will suck them in and spit them out at the Molineux!!

    Then we tend to go to the pub where i drink mysef into a state where Pete`s ideas of us making Europe not only make sense but i am now convinced it will happen. So much so i come home and check my passport to ensure it is in date.
    Unfortunately/fortunately i wake up in the morning back to normal. I also conclude that us making Europe is a ridiculous idea, and why is there a shopping trolley, bucket of KFC,hockey goal, and a police siren at the bottom of my bed???

    Then i spend all week waiting to do it all again…….

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  47. 47
    CantelloRocket 78

    34 Barnsley Baggie- I realise that conceding the amount of goals we have doesn’t help,but I still don’t see it as the main problem.If you take out of the equation the six at Chelsea on opening day,when we were caught cold,and the three at Fulham recently when every central defender was missing through injury or suspension,the figure soon starts to drop.The reason we’re looking at strikers is that we’ve created countless chances this season,sometimes up to 20 per game,but on average,we’ve scored less than one and a half per game.Bednar and Cox both look useful at times,but I have a feeling neither one would set the Prem. alight,and RDM knows this,which is why he wants someone else brought in.

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  48. 48
    Warren

    Bomber

    That sounds like a good night to be honest!! Deep down I’m probably as cautious as you, the big worry is if you organise another end-of-season do this year and AJM turns up instead of Pete, for hockey goal and police siren it’ll read empty bottle of pills and lots of doctors around you after conceding Albion are utterly useless and probably getting relegated next year.

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  49. 49
    smethwick baggie

    This Carew saga has only confirmed to me what an insane place the world of football has become. An average sort of player like Carew is on 52k a week and can’t get a game at the Villa. Never mind not getting on with Houllier, I bet Randy Lerner’s glad to see the back of him, purely on financial grounds. I would have liked him , but not on that sort of money, although I have to say, fair play to JP for making him the offer in the first place. Greedy footballers have alienated themselves from the ordinary fans IMO. I love football like the rest of you, but their wages are obscene.

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  50. 50
    Chris Cross

    Im not a Carson hater before anyone starts but i will say that any aerial threat in the box this weekend will “hopefully” dealt with by Myhill as we all know Carson’s weakness is coming off his line. this could take alot of pressure of the defence.

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  51. 51
    Wall Heath Baggie

    SMETHWICK BAGGIE

    Could not agree with your thoughts more , spot on mate.

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  52. 52
    Cyril Randle

    I wrote an absolutely magnificent piece under Olsson etc. last night but it got lost because I posted it too fast! You’ll never know how superb it was as I can’t remember a word now.
    I do remember I made it up with Maximillian, used all my best chat up lines on TMH, in fact, sheer modesty prevents further dwelling on a lost masterpiece.
    No one has commented on one gem from the ‘Mulumbu signs extended contract’ piece.
    Roberto says, “We shall enjoy working with him FOR YEARS TO COME”. I shall be positive and say he means at WBA, not that when Liddypol come in for Roberto he’ll take Mulumbu with him.
    34.Barnsley. You know what they say up in’t Yorkshire, “You can always tell a Yorkshire man, but not much”.
    Now what was the main topic, er, John summat or other…..

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  53. 53
    wbabomber

    Thanks one and all for contributing to the blog this week and i would like to reward every single post (52) by paying you £1000 for each post.

    Unfortunately i wont be able to afford to do it this week though as i have just booked John Carew for a week to come round and do my ironing and clear out some crap from around the house ( police siren, shopping trolleys, hockey goal, you get the idea) and he does not come cheap!!!

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  54. 54
    Barnsley Baggie

    Hi Warren & Cantello Rocket. Appreciate your comments.
    It’s not about comparisons, it’s about us not being very good at the back, and shipping too many goals. I can only comment on what I see, and the onus is on the defence. I think our midfield is strong, wide players okay, and with Bednar, Cox, Odemwhingie, Fortunae, Tchoyi, there should be enough fire power there to get the goals we need over the season. I hope to god we improve now Olsen is back.
    Anyhow, on goes the debate.

    Up the Baggies.

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  55. 55
    wbabomber

    Cyril have you fallen a sleep at the keyboard again??

    I know its hard work but if you read through the posts again a few people including myself have mentioned the good news that Mulumbu the Mauler has signed a new deal.

    Dont worry about falling to sleep at the key board i remember doing the very same a few years back when it was the midnight closure of the transfer window.

    I ended up posting:

    It doenst look like we are goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooniefpn wnif9n sooooooooooooooooocpCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDQWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWTDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

    you get the idea!!

    Report abuse

  56. 56
    Barnsley Baggie

    Cheer’s Cyril.

    Ha, ha, ha.

    Good blog, at least there is a god afterall? We are not getting Carew…….

    Report abuse

  57. 57
    CantelloRocket 78

    42 Bomber- I had to check out the wolves blog after what you said,and it is worth a visit.You feel ‘laughingwolf’ has now gone completely paranoid.I wouldn’t be surprised if he accuses someone else of being a Baggie,then realises it’s one of his own posts.I’m a big fan of Spike Milligan,and his writing can appear at times to be choatic nonsense,but behind it there’s a genius.The wolves fans have the nonsense,but you couldn’t accuse any of them of being a genius.In fact,if you show them the word ‘genius’,they think it’s a black beer from Ireland.

    Report abuse

  58. 58
    Tchoyi's Massive Head

    Oooh, that means I get £2k as I have posted twice! How exciting! Here’s hoping for next week…

    Cyril, I am gutted that your post didn’t come through. I really would love to hear your best lines.

    Report abuse

  59. 59
    wbabomber

    Oh blooming nora, see post 55 it seems my mom is right after all, i can break anything, including the E+S blog posting system!!!

    and before any of you ask, no i dont know how i did it.

    Report abuse

  60. 60
    Chris Cross

    Bomber, your paying over the odds there as there is a team up the road who have 25 people not doing much and you could get the lot of them for that much. mind you, you did say u were clearing crap from the house and not collecting it.

    Report abuse

  61. 61
    Wall Heath Baggie

    52 Cyril

    I am very glad we made it up mate and disappointed that we did not get to read your best chat up lines, never know when you need one of them, even at my age.

    Adeu

    Max.

    Report abuse

  62. 62
    kenny hibbit scorcher 77

    len cantello rocket, some answers to your questions, wolves v eindhoven uefa cup lost 2-3 over 2 legs 1981,

    your question about genius and any relevance to wwfc fans, the i.q. society MENSA is based in wolverhampton.

    oh and by the way why would an ageing striker let go by villa turn down rdm and opt for stoke instead?

    one win in eight and you accuse laughing wolf of bieng paranoid, lol.

    good luck against blacburn. i hate those chickens. utw

    Report abuse

  63. 63
    Lone wolf

    Whats happened to TRBH ??? Since this new women has been bending everyones ear, no sign. He is my baggy bloger hero, but he never struck me as the jealous kind. I rekon he has had his nose put right out of joint with WOZZA and THE ROCKET sniffin around the new girl. All your bessie mates for years not even givin you a mention. Its been a long winter TRBH, its not there fault The sap is rising. Ive even heard the rocket has bought a new bottle of BRUT for matchdays. Never mind me old pal, at least ill always be your mate!

    Report abuse

  64. 64
    sid

    dont what the fuss is about carew, he aint that special, i think we should give up the ghost and stick with bednar, cox and of course odemwingie, we just need to take our chances and score, other teams do it, so come on you baggies

    Report abuse

  65. 65
    Cyril Randle

    55Bomber. No mate, read it again and you’ll see I’m delighted that Roberto will ‘be with us for years’. Would I ever fall asleep on the job?
    Me tay’s jus’ gone on the terble un it’s salmon, terters, pays, carrots, yow know, nice. Tarra a bit an’ thank yer fer ‘avin’ we.

    Report abuse

  66. 66
    untruewolf

    so carew chooses stoke above the baggies, and blackburns chicken farmers await you and cantelloroket is more interested in the wolves page,,, nothing changes. utw

    Report abuse

  67. 67
    JACK the HAT.

    I’ve had to come on this string as it’s the latest reply one. can some-one take their finger out and lets have them on each blog, if it isn’t too much trouble.
    E&D still can’t get the scharner story right. It wasn’t an outburst, it was a constructive criticism. You insinuate he blamed his team mates, What he said was, ” WE have lost the will to win “. Are you trying to make problems where there aren’t any, for my club. STOP putting your own words in and report what’s actually said. Thankyou.
    JACK the HAT.
    P.S. I suppose this wont get passed like so many of my other posts. So be it.

    Report abuse

  68. 68
    Mr Dead

    I was initialy excited by the thought of this transfer, then after speaking with family and freinds who are season ticket holders at Villa i became less convinced and was almost willing the transfer to fall through. The Villa fans were saying his legs had gone mid way through last season and wasn’t a shadow of the player that terrorised our defence albeit with Barnett in a couple of years ago. I was also told he is carrying a knee injury which requires surgery but has been avoiding it with painkilling injections. Can we really afford £52k a week on one player who might not even get into our first eleven and has a history of missing large chunks of the season through injury?

    Let’s try and get Tuncay who for me is a similar type of player to Keane at Spurs, he has a great football brain, can score some quality goals, but is fantastic just playing of the frontman and will create a hatfull of chances. He can hold the ball up really well and is rumoured to be unhappy at Sjoke City (understandable considering their style of football). Or Jo from Man City or Ngog from the scousers!

    We are at the bottom of the pile in the premiership to be able to attract players, but i have a feeling we will end up with a better option than Carew come the close of the window as the Bent transfer has kick started the window and i can see some high profile players moving around as clubs finalise their 25 man squads. We may even bring in two forwards with Miller going and rumours about Bednar going back to Hearts!

    Report abuse

  69. 69
    JACK the HAT.

    Carew was being brought in on a short term loan, then he was to have earned an extension, rather like Super Kev was offered. But not on £45k a week. well done ALBION for not being ripped off. We wont panic like Stoke.

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

    Report abuse

  70. 70
    Medway Baggie

    62 Kenny – If I understand you correctly, because MENSA has it’s HQ in Wolverhampton you are geniuses. Mmmm. There are a lot of bank HQ’s in London so does that make Londeners rich? In answer to your Carew question, it’s the same answer to why you haven’t signed any decent players, but you wouldn’t believe it as you are a really “big” club.

    Report abuse

  71. 71
    The Real Bully Hoo.

    63 Rebecca.
    Is it me getting jealous or you? You and Laughing Wolf used to be the only ‘I’m a lady’ posters on here (I’m surprised neither of you thought of calling yourselves Emily) and now we have the real McCoy.

    As you’re such an avid reader of our pages I’m surprised you’ve missed that I’ve already posted to TMH a couple of times, she is a paid up member of the ‘glass half full brigade.’

    I’ve just worked two long shifts and unlike many on here, can’t post in work time. I’m not sure you’ll understand but it’s called having a job (a bit like working in a charity shop but you get paid)

    Try not to worry, although I’ve taken to TMH and Chris Cross, I’ll never desert you. Keep posting the rubbish and I’ll keep slapping you down. xxx.

    Report abuse

  72. 72
    CantelloRocket 78

    62 hibbertschorcher77- I’m not too sure what to make of you-the fact that you come over here reading my chats with other Albion fans,and also seem to be using my name to make up a similar one of your own.Have I got a cyber-stalker,or are you my tribute act? It’s all a bit spooky.Anyway,most of my comments are pretty tongue in cheek for fun,but you lot seem to have a humour by-pass.In answer to your questions:
    1) Someone over your side apparently said wolves are one of the greatest clubs in the world,and you say the last time you were in Europe was 30 years ago? OK,you’ve convinced me.
    2)As MEDWAY mentioned,because MENSA’s based in w’ton,it doesn’t mean the locals can actually get in there.
    3)We were considering Carew as a squad player to occasionally use as a sub,but he was too expensive,so WE turned him down.
    and 4)I don’t understand your statement that a bad run of results has made me paranoid?? Maybe I should go and ask MENSA what it means.

    Anyway,I’ve said enough fof now,so I’ll just send you a signed photo in the post.

    Report abuse

  73. 73
    CantelloRocket 78

    63 lonely- never mind TRBH (who did post the other day),where have YOU been? You said the sap was rising,then you got out of bed.Sounds right.Anyway,I noticed when Ms. Tychoi asked where you were the other day,you did a runner-you knew she was goin’ to give you a verbal battering,so you legged it.I’m guessing that’s why you work nights,because Mrs.Lone does the same thing.Anyway,I’m a Aramis and L’eau D’issey man-they only sell Brut in wulferhampton market.

    Report abuse

  74. 74
    CantelloRocket 78

    66 untrue- I hardly ever go on the wolves pages,my comments are a reply to what OTHER people have said is happening on your site.And YOU are coming on the ALBION site,reading what we say,posting here,then accuse me of only being interested in your news? Don’t you think that’s a bit rich?

    Report abuse

  75. 75
    The Real Bully Hoo.

    Jarrod.
    Apologies for replying to Rebecca first. But Lonely seems to be getting a bit insecure.

    Where is Sir Terry? He is much missed on here.

    As I’ve said before, it’s not just the excellence of your blogs but the quality of the debate they provoke and you’ve done it again. Anyone doubting this, do what someone suggested earlier and pay a visit to our friend’s site.

    Like you I’m convinced we’ll bring in a new striker. The thing that worries me is that a number of teams, I think we all know the ones I mean, seem to dog our footsteps for transfer targets. Perhaps we need to lay down false trails, perhaps we already do.

    Did anyone else listen to Tom Ross on the phone in last night? TR talks to the managers, players and chairmen. He finds out a lot because they trust him not to spill the beans when he shouldn’t. Talking about Carew, he said Albion have matched the £50,000 a week Stoke are offering. He has probably chosen Stoke because they’re 8th top as opposed to 6th bottom. I’d add to that, we’re in our first season whereas they’ve survived two. The thing is, I hope this will silence the ‘JP won’t speculate in the window’ brigade. I won’t hold my breath though.

    2 CC.(TMHM.)
    I’d add to what you say that I think we are the new Wimbledon from the 80′s. Obviously nothing to do with playing style but I think pulling out the gems from the market and always being major underdogs has helped nurture the ‘we’re all in it together’ spirit we seem to have in the dressing room and on the terraces.

    9 Happy.
    You’ve forgotten Stephen Reid who seems to play equally steadily wherever he’s called on to play. I wasn’t thrilled when we signed him but he’s proved me wrong by being an excellent professional and a much better player than I’d expected.

    11 TMH.
    I think Pablo had the bad luck to come in against teams that play in a style he will never have seen before. I think he will play better against the Arsenal and Man City type of teams than Stoke or Blackburn.

    22 Warren.
    Showing my age again but I was thinking of Christopher Cross the big bloke with the high pitched voice and had a hit with a very tedious song that I can’t remember.

    27 CR78.
    As you say, the world keeps on turning and there will be another target. Remember back in the 60′s and early 70′s when we spent years chasing Willie Pettigrew from Motherwell but didn’t get him. On second thoughts ignore that example as this was followed by years in the wilderness.

    29 AJM.
    Eventually even Richard Wilson got fed up with playing Victor Meldrew. Give it a rest.

    31 Tony C.
    Haven’t seen you on here for ages. I’ve often thought ‘that’s it I’m going to stop posting on here’ but then can’t resist answering somebody I don’t agree with. Have you been practicing restraint or just been away? Anyway welcome back.

    37 Warren.
    Very good first half, very funny second half. Lovely stuff.

    47 CR78.
    Barnsley Baggie wants us to be more defensive. Where does Merlin/Mad/Muppet Mick come form? Spooky.

    I hope this comvices Becky that I’m not sulking. Although I’m sure he’s still struggling with the concept of having a job.

    Report abuse

  76. 76
    baggieinmanc

    No.62 KHS77

    MENSA is based in Wolverhampton because they chose to go where they were needed most but where they would be least disturbed. It’s also in the middle of the country so everyone can get to it easier. They will also have taken into account that Wolves real estate is quite cheap and they’re less likely to have people banging thier door down for admissions in Wolves than any where else in the country. Cleaver people these MENSA types.

    Boing Boing

    Report abuse

  77. 77
    The Real Bully Hoo.

    PS.
    Interesting to read on the Jonas Olsson thread. This has been his first suspension in English football, so hardly the hot-head he’s been branded (although I accept all of those posts may well be Shadrag in different disguises.) Especially as the second yellow was a joke but just seems to follow the ridiculous fashion of some of the other red cards we’ve had this season.

    And I forgot to say, fantastic news about Youssufs new contract. Well done again to the Board.

    Report abuse

  78. 78
    Lone wolf

    75, TRBH, me thinketh you reply to strongly. That long drawn out offering was tantammount to a cave man banging his club on the cave wall. ( ugg, i aint scared of no women, ugg) Touched a nerve cus you replyied straight away to old Lone as Rebecca. ( a sure sign your upset ) Not as upset as me cus WOLVES av just been spanked by Lpool. About time me old mate TRBH found a second night to spend in manchester. My guest! P.s. I have two jobs. Day time and night time. And i dont work 4 anyone, folks work 4 me. ( but i still cant afford a season ticket at the WOLVES ) ( Not that i want 1 at the minute )

    Report abuse

  79. 79
    Mrs.Lone Wolf

    73 CR78, You are right mate, i aint ever had a job ( unless you count a tabacco baroness on c wing ) But for you to imply i am a lady of the night is wrong. For a start, since the verdict i aint even allowed out at night. Can i smell BRUT ????? Watch your self Sprocket. UP THE WOLVES!

    Report abuse

  80. 80
    The Real Bully Hoo.

    Lonely.
    Supervisor in the Barnardo’s shop doesn’t count as having people working for you but your work for Transform at night must be very fulfilling.

    Not often we agree but you’re right you did get spanked by a very ordinary Liverpool side. The only place you seem quite strong is out wide and Mick’s brought another wide player in. Mmmm.

    PS I just can’t win with you can I? I don’t post for a day and you say I’m sulking, so I send a long post and I’m over reacting. Never mind you can watch your new love playing Blackburn on TV tomorrow and no one need know you’re clutching your navy blue and white scarf.

    Report abuse

  81. 81
    Lone wolf

    80, TRBH, HOW DO YOU KNOW OF TRANSFORM ?? You will love manchester if you ever have the nerve to come and av a beer with me an mrs lone. we dont bite ( well mrs lone does, but dont dwell on that ) I work some nights in a place they call the village ( wozza will fill u in ) and i think you may Love it ! But dont worry ill keep an eye on ya. It was you that mentioned avin a beer some time. so im only being curteous in offering an open invite for you when ever you got the nerve. Youll like me, and im sure i can introduce you to people that will like you too!

    Report abuse

  82. 82
    Lone wolfww

    73 THE ROCKET, there is only one smell naffa than Brut, and thats ARAMIS. To women it smells like cat p. But if you are happy with it then who am i to argue, Big bonce may love it!

    Report abuse



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