The Madeley diaries: Baggies on tour

Albion have signed a genuine star in new Slovakian Marek Cech.

Not only does the left-back have his own website, marekcech.com, he arrived for training last night with a particularly smart pair of boots with his surname embroidered in the side.

Albion are following in illustrious footsteps with their choice of pre-season training base. The Baggies are based at Venlo amateur side Sportclub Irene, who have played host to two former European champions in recent years.

FC Porto were based at the current Baggies base camp a year ago and the galacticos of Real Madrid have also been visitors in recent seasons.

It was only a matter of time until the pre-season pranks began from dressing room joker Roman Bednar. The Czech striker's colleagues couldn't believe his choice of victim for the first bit of mischief of the tour.

Bednar is known for his practical jokes, but pushing fitness coach Dan Harris into the swimming pool fully clothed probably wasn't his finest idea at the start of "running week".

Dean Kiely did not enjoy the best of days yesterday. Not only did he learn of Albion's proposed signing of Scott Carson, the veteran keeper was relegated from the Nintendo DS crowd too.

When Chris Brunt applied to join in the Mario Kart Championship still headed by Ishmael Miller, the players agreed the man finishing last in the next race would be thrown out to make room.

Suffice to say experience didn't count for much when the chequered flag was unfurled.

T-Mobile are gaining some unexpected publicity this week. While a small quantity of kit has been delivered without a logo, the Baggies players have been training largely in last season's gear.

There were two arrivals yesterday. While new signing Marek Cech slipped in unnoticed, the volume was turned up when club photographer Laurie Rampling showed up.

The man who once reduced a Tube train to sheer panic when he greeted legend Tony Brown with a cry of "Bomber" is here for the rest of the week and Venlo is bracing itself.