Tuesday 8th July 2008

Collins Wanted On Season Long Loan

Albion have approached West Ham in the hope of taking Welsh international defender James Collins on a season long loan. Collins who turns 25 next month is currently injured after suffering cruciate damage back in January whilst turning out for The Hammers reserves and is expected to miss the start of the season. It is understood Albion would be requesting a similar structured deal to the one which brough Ishmael Miller to the club where Albion had the option of a permanent deal in the Janury Transfer Window.

It is not thought that any recent speculation linking Albion with Mark Beevers of Sheffield Wednesday and Ferrie Bodde of Swansea City will be taken any further although the clubs interest in Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi is still a possibility.

Grant Named New First Team Coach

Former Norwich City Manager Peter Grant has been appointed First Team Coach after the departure of Craig Shakespeare to Leicester City. Grant was sacked at Norwich last September and was previously Assistant Manager at West Ham United. Tony Mowbray and Peter Grant were team-mates at Celtic with the Scot impressing the Baggies boss:

"Peter's got great enthusiasm for the game and he's got the experience of working in the Premier League at West Ham when they were very, very successful,"

"We need to draw on that experience and I'm looking forward to working with him."

"I'm sure the players will enjoy working with him as the season goes on because of the enthusiasm he has for the game."

"I played with him at Celtic for four years and he always gave 100 per cent every time he played and trained. I'm sure that transmits to his coaching as well."

"He's a very committed person and hopefully he'll enhance everything we're doing here."

Phillips Latest

Tony Mowbray today stated he expects Kevin Phillips to move on from The Hawthorns after his contract expired at the end of June. Phillips has been linked with Birmingham City recently and has not accepted any of the offers from Albion with the player who turns 35 next month wanting a 2 year deal but the club have offered a 1 year deal plus a second based on performance. Mowbray told the clubs Official website:

"I am pretty sure his preferred choice would be to stay."

"But, at this moment, it is unlikely that Kevin will stay here. If there is a stumbling block that we cannot overcome then so be it."

"My strong belief, particularly when footballers get to 35, is that I find it very hard to hand out two-year contracts to 35-year-olds - however well they have done,"

"I genuinely believe if Kevin wants to stay, he should back his ability and earn his second year."

"But we are looking for another striker regardless of what he does."