Blog: There's a bigger picture at Albion
It's been some week for Albion and Saido Berahino has cast a cloud over the bigger picture, writes blogger Duncan Hodgkiss.
The obvious subject matter this week would be to analyse and comment on the reprehensible events that preceded the closure of the equally objectionable transfer window.
I can imagine good folk are growing a little tired of the whole matter and, thus, I will direct my focus elsewhere following a brief overview.
In summary of recent wranglings, which have been widely condemned by almost everyone with an opinion in football, Saido Berahino has behaved childishly.
Daniel Levy has felt the wrath of Jeremy Peace and Tony Pulis has not (as some sensationalist tabloids have unfoundedly reported) vented his spleen.
Peace has shown the meaning of strength and resolve and West Bromwich Albion have come out of it with honourable distinction.
I had to laugh when I saw that an inexplicably popular radio sport show, with chat and sport in the title, had taken their stance from a 'parody account' set up on Twitter.
They criticised Peace for 'adding fuel to the fire' by tweeting how amicably Joleon Lescott had left the club.
It's common knowledge JP abhors social media, let alone maintain a Twitter account. Oh dear. A taxi is on its way.
I wanted to look at our summer signings in a little more detail. There has been a clamour for more, more, more, but is that unrealistic?
According to Sky Sports, we are 10th overall in terms of money spent. For actual net spend, we are fifth!
Whichever way you look at it, it's another record breaking year for us. I think few can moan about the commitment shown by Peace to Pulis in this season's transfer market.
One can argue we need cover in the full-back positions and are perhaps a player short in the creative midfield department.
I'm pretty sure Pulis is aware of squad deficiencies, but his demeanour when leaving the ground before 4pm on deadline day may suggest otherwise.
I think Pulis will be pretty happy. He certainly looked that way when he departed and waved to Sky cameras.
He has just seen a record outlay, provided by a notoriously shrewd business man, committed to him by the club.
Salomon Rondon looks the part. Our record signing. He is strong, has pace, looks at ease already and his positional sense is excellent.
Jonny Evans comes to us following 11 years at Manchester United. He made nearly 200 appearances for them, yielding nine major titles in the process.
James Chester has earned rave reviews for previous performances in the Premier League.
He has been courted by high profile clubs and produced some great stats by Opta, one of which highlighted that he made the least mistakes per game last season than any other player.
Rickie Lambert has obvious pedigree. He may need a little more time to fully come to terms with the disappointment of last season.
But, from what I saw against Manchester City, he was our best player, the signs are positive. He will get stronger.
James McClean looks a bargain for what we paid for him. He's is prepared to run through brick walls for Pulis and the team, plus he has good delivery, pace and tracks back when necessary.
Serge Gnabry comes highly-regarded from Arsenal. Labelled a 'wonderkid', he was expected to make the step up this year to full first-team duties.
Only injury prevented him. Looks sharp with an abundance of skill and creativity. One to watch
Anders Lindegaard from Man United. 2010 Goalkeeper of the Year in both Denmark and Norway. Signed by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Not too much in terms of career achievements to note. Maybe the best is yet to come?
Overall, I think Baggies fans are very pleased with our progress. Peace has also stated this is also our record commitment in terms of salaries. Surely no one can ask for more than that!
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