West Bromwich Albion 1 - Charlton Athletic 2

Date:	Saturday 24th September 2005
Competition:	Barclays Premiership
WBA: 4.5	Kirkland 6.9, Watson 4.5, Davies 6.8, Clement 5.9, Robinson 6.4, Gera 6.4, Wallwork 2.8, Johnson 2.3 (Kamara, HT 7.6), Greening 5.9, Campbell 4.2 (Horsfield, 69 5.0), Earnshaw 5.2 (Ellington, 69 5.9) Unused subs: Kuszczak, Moore Manager: Bryan Robson 2.8
Charlton: 5.7	Andersen, L Young, Hreidarsson, Perry, Powell (Spector, 82), Rommedahl (Bothroyd, 62), Smertin, Murphy (Hughes, 82), Kishishev, Thomas, Bent Unused subs: Myhre, El Karkouri
Scorers:	Davies (50)
Referee:	Chris Foy (St Helens) 5.8
Attendance:	23,909   Home Fans 3.9   Away Fans 4.0

Chiang Mai Baggie:

Kanu doesn't make it due to a knock from Tuesday, and Chaplow is dropped from the bench for Kamara. Davies comes back after being cup-tied, so the starting line-up is the same as at Sunderland.

Davies did well to cut out an attack on 4 minutes. Watson pulled Thomas back in the box on 8 minutes and the ref awarded a penalty. Murphy converted.

Wallwork shot from range on 11 minutes, but Perry blocked. Albion won a free kick 30 yards out on 18 minutes, but Clement shot well wide. Kirkland saved well from a Murphy header on 21 minutes from a Rommedahl cross. Earnshaw is playing deep to try to counter Charlton's 5 man midfield, but it's not working well. Kirkland saved well from Thomas on 24 minutes, pushing the ball out for a corner. The cross was headed wide by Hreidarsson.

Albion moved forward on 27 minutes, but Greening's cross-shot was collected by the keeper. The Albion midfield are too weak for the Charlton mf, so cannot compete. When they have the ball they give it away with sloppy passing. Rommedahl crossed for Murphy to head in on 30 minutes after Greening had let Rommedahl go.

Campbell shot on 39 minutes after the first real attack for a while, and the ball was saved for a corner. Albion have no width, with Gera playing in the middle. Clement hit a free kick high and wide on 42 minutes. Campbell headed at the keeper on 43 minutes after a good move forwards by Davies. Greening had a shot blocked on 44 minutes.

1 minute added. HT 0-2.

Kamara on for Johnson at HT. Greening shot almost straight after the ko, but it was blocked by Smertin. Gera won a corner on 49 minutes after some pressure. Earnshaw crossed, and the ball was put out for another corner as Gera rose. Curtis Davies scored from the next cross after Wallwork flicked it on.

Kamara ran well on 52 minutes, and was tackled near the box but the ref didn't give a foul. Gera was fouled 30 yards out on 53 minutes. The cross was cleared. Kamara picked it up, and his cross went wide. Albion pressured well on 54 minutes, so different from the first half. Albion played well and shot just wide on 57 minutes. Smertin shot over the bar on 58 minutes.

Bothroyd on for Rommedahl on 62 minutes. Charlton switch to 4-4-2. Ellington and Horsfield on for Earnshaw and Campbell on 69 minutes.

Kishishev booked for a foul on Kamara as he went past on 71 minutes. Kamara ran well on 75 minutes, but shot over the bar. Charlton won a corner when a Thomas shot was deflected behind by Watson on 78 minutes. The cross went in and the ball was knocked out for a goal kick. Gera volleyed weakly straight at the keeper on 79 minutes. Albion won a corner on 82 minutes.

Spector and Hughes on for Powell and Murphy before the corner is taken. Kamara crossed, and Davies headed goalwards, but the keeper caught it. Albion won another corner on 84 minutes. Bothroyd cleared the Kamara cross. Gera won a free kick 35 yards out on 87 minutes. The ball was put out for a throw. Curtis Davies was given sponsors' MoM. 4 minutes added.

Gera conceded a free kick which wasted some time, and Charlton played the ball into the corner to use up time. Albion won a free kick, and Kirkland played the ball forward. Gera had a go, and Kamara's header was cleared off the line. Charlton broke, and Bent shot over the bar. FT 1-2.

Dave Watkin:

Albion have rarely played as poorly as they did in the first half of this game when they went two goals behind, yet they came back strongly after the break and played some of their best football of the season without quite grabbing an equaliser.

Only Zoltan Gera looked on his game in a dismal opening as the rest of the midfield was overrun and outplayed by their Charlton counterparts. Diomansy Kamara was introduced at half time and in the second half showed flair and enthusiasm and was a constant problem to the opposition. Curtis Davies was again a bright spot in the team giving a convincing performance and netting his first Premiership goal.

Team selection was behind the poor first half showing, with the side identical to the one which made such a poor start at Sunderland and the two substitutes who helped to pull back that game both on the bench, alongside the club's leading goalscorer. The other players who did so well in the Carling Cup victory were ignored, although it should be said that the architect behind the victory, Kanu, was unfit.

TEAM NEWS

Bryan Robson selected the same team which played rather poorly at Sunderland, meaning there were seven changes from the side which entertained when winning convincingly against Bradford City.

HIGHLIGHTS

In the 9th minute Jerome Thomas twisted past Watson and raced down the left wing. Just as the winger entered the penalty area, the outpaced full back launched into a reckless tackle and although it was by no means clear-cut (until you saw the action replay) a penalty was given. DANNY MURPHY stepped up to stroke home the spot kick.

Charlton were dominating proceedings and firstly Chris Kirkland was forced to make a terrific diving save from a Murphy header and then he had to leap to his right to tip over a shot from the edge of the area by Thomas.

It really came as no surprise when in the 31st minute Charlton took a two-goal lead. Rommedahl was fortunate to benefit from an unlucky rebound off Greening's shin, but as he raced away, the Albion man seemed to give up the chase leaving him time and space to roll the ball across the goal to where the on-rushing MURPHY gleefully side-footed into the net.

Up to this point Albion had not created a meaningful chance, but just before the interval Curtis Davies made a good run down the right and by sheer determination fed Gera who crossed into the box for Campbell, whose header was on target but easily fielded by the keeper.

Albion resumed after the break with Diomansy Kamara on for Johnson and looked a different team. With Kamara lively on the left wing and Greening playing inside, the home side took the game to Charlton.

In the 51st minute the Baggies were back in the game. A Zoltan Gera shot was deflected around the post for a left wing corner. When Robert Earnshaw swung the ball to the far post it was only partially cleared, Ronnie Wallwork was able to head goalwards and CURTIS DAVIES nipped in to head past a despairing keeper.

In contrast to their dismal first half showing Albion were now playing really well and went close several times. With just over twenty minutes to go Nathan Ellington and Geoff Horsfield were brought on in place of Campbell and Earnshaw.

After more close shaves, Albion forced a corner in the dying seconds and Chris Kirkland raced up field in a desperate attempt to score. However, the ball was cleared and he was forced to dash back alongside Thomas and Darren Bent. Fortunately when Thomas played in Bent he scooped his shot way over the bar - the final kick of the game.

ALBION 1st Half FORMRATE : AWFUL
MAN-OF-THE-HALF : ZOLTAN GERA

ALBION 2nd Half FORMRATE : GOOD
MAN-OF-THE-HALF : DIOMANSY KAMARA

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH : CURTIS DAVIES

Norcal Baggie:

Kamara is the difference.

He changed the game for Albion at Sunderland. He scored against Bradford. He changed the game for Albion again today. Should be a guaranteed starter - unless his form drops off.

Can Watson play in midfield (wasn't that his role for Everton)? That gives RB to Albrechsten - and he provides a natural attacking option with his lightning runs.

Together with Inamoto, Chaplow and Carter there should be a number of options without have to field Ronnie and AJ.

After another 3 games a quarter off the season will be gone so I believe we need another 5 points to keep us at *survival* level. Did not expect to be using the "S" word this season. The core of the team is similar. What's gone wrong?

Des:

On the basis of today's peformance Brian Robson couldn't pick his nose never mind a football team. The fact we lost today is 100% the manager's fault, maybe with a good sprinkling of blame going the chairman's way for failing to sign any premier quality players in the summer.

Anyone at Sunderland last week knew that a strike force of Campbell and Earnie in front of a midfield of AJ and Ronnie was crap, absolutely crap of the first fecking order. I heard our manager say that he thought Campbell led the line well at Sunderland, Robson if you are reading this you are hallucinating pal. It didn't happen it ain't ever going to happen. Meanwhile our top goal scorer is warming his arse on the bench, it's just fecking mad.

We strted off with an attack and midfield that didn't include a single player signed over the summer, nice one Peace, nice one Robson what a waste of fecking time. AJ and Ronnie were as bad this week as they were last week. At least with AJ you can say he tries and he is only a passenger but Ronnie is a complete and utter liability. Has he got incriminating pictures of Robson with a sheep, there has to be an explanation, it makes no sense.

We were lucky to be only 2-0 down at half time. A desperately stupid late tackle by Watson (nice signing brian) gave away a penalty for the first goal. And then Charlton went through our defence like a hot knife through butter for the second goal. Meanwhile we did feck all in the first half apart from pass the ball to a red shirt every time we got it.

In the second half AJ went off and Kamara came on. Ok so why when Kamara played well up at Sunderland and again in midweek did he not start?? Ask the manager probably the only person on the planet with an answer to that one. Despite Wallwork and Campbell hanging like two mill stones around the teams neck we started to play better. Charlton were clearly looking to hold their lead, bit like they did last year, and played within themselves. But we got a goal thanks to Davies who had a good home debut. The Horse and Ellington came on for Cambell and Earnie with about 20 minutes to go, much too little much too late. Despite having the best of the second half the damage had been done thanks to a crap team selection by Robson and we lost our third home game on the bounce.

I heard Robson on the radio on the way home saying he couldn't understand the fact we played so badly in the first half and better in the second. Well its down to your team selection you moron. That and the fact Charlton thought they had the game won at half time and were happy to let us attack and go on the break.

I left the ground v p***ed off and thinking unless Robson gets a major brain transplant we are in the deepest s**t.

Lord Charles:

The knives are being sharpened for manager Bryan Robson having gone from zero to hero last season he now appears to be on the way back to zero. Make no mistake I lay the blame for another home defeat at Robson?s feet. There was a collective groan around the ground when the team was announced. He made SEVEN changes from the team that beat Bradford in midweek! What sort of message does that send to Nathan Ellington who scored two good goals and then gets dropped? Listening to local radio on the way home Wallwork seemed to be singled out for criticism (apart from Robson) and I have to say that I found that a bit unfair. Wallwork was poor in the first half but was far better in the second half. For me Andy Johnson was the worst player on view; his sole contribution is to cause total confusion which made Wallwork look even worse than he really is. When Greening moved in the middle it helped and the whole team played better.

However, if Albion are to survive Robson will have to get his act together soon. He has used 23 different players so far and it is clear he does not know what his best team is. Every Albion fan will tell you it certainly does not include Johnson, Wallwork or Campbell. I heard Robson interviewed on BRMB and he admitted he was scratching his head about what went wrong in the first half; that sort of comment has me worried. He said he thought the team were on the right lines after the 1-1 draw at Sunderland last week. Everyone on the coach who heard those comments shook their heads in disbelief. Had Gera not scored that late equalizer then the team would have been booed off.

Today?s game reminded me of the home game with Blues. Total crap in the first half and then spend all the second half chasing a lost cause. Charlton worked extremely hard and could have been further ahead at half time had it not been for a super save from Kirkland. Campbell had our best chance but his header went straight at the keeper. The second half was virtually one way traffic but even though Kamara was outstanding Albion lacked the guile to open up the Charlton defence. Gera is still struggling to recapture his form and we badly miss Richardson.

It looks like a long and frustrating winter.

BRE Baggies:

Firstly, I was embarrased before the match even began to here fans boo the names read out by Boyden who were Albion players. This was a disgrace and I think this was one of the reasons some of the players were so rubbish in the game. It is not only stupid but also unalbion like. Dont do it - ever - under any circumstance apart from when the player has actually done something to the fans such as hand gestures etc..

That particular rant over, I will start another now. Todays result Robson, along with the Sunderland one was your fault. The team selection was awful. If a team can not break down Sunderland then what hope has it of breaking down Charlton. I know the fans called for a line up to be kept the same but not this one. Wallwork and Johnson are just not good enough. Everytime we went forward (down the wings, which was the only way we went forward first half) there was no one in the box and you would have a look out and there would be the two cm's just standing there. One of them must take the burden upon themselves to go forward and try for goals like a midfield player should do. Why did Robson buy Carter, Chaplow, Kamara, and then praise players like Inamoto if you have more faith in a cm partnership of Wallwork and Johnson. Robson said after the match he could not understand why we were so awful first half and then so good second. It is easy, you didn't play Wallwork and Johnson together.

First half was dreadful and we looked like a championship side. Second half and we change Johnson (sorry mate, your time is up, thanks for the good times but you now have to go) for Kamara (I thought he was ruled out you devious b*gg*rs, Albion). Kamara changed the match and helped Gera and Greening play better. He took on players and used his pace to trouble a Charlton side who, to be honest, looked average second half. Davies scored to top of a good home debut and I think we have found our man for cb. We could not get the second goal even though we had so many chances and were very unlucky.

If Robson has taken in this match then he will make the changes we need to make to get points but I still worry. I think when the teams are read out against Blackburn next week I think there will be a groan from the away end. Wallwork will start in my opinion because he was in the side that did well second half. Its a shame because he is not the part and I would more see bloody Scimeca there than Wallwork but Robson wont see this. Wallwork lost all confidence today and walked away from the match the same player he was two years ago. It is a shame to see a bloke lose confidence like that but we have not got the time (or need) to keep playing him until he gets it back.

I also worry because at the end of the match it showed you the scores from other matches. West Ham had picked up a point against Arsenal (Chelsea are champions already) which really does seal my belief that they are going to stay up this year because they have to much class, and Wigan got there second away win of the season meaning they are proving there doubters wrong. I now think there are only two teams in the relegation battle at the moment and we are one of them. Wigan may be dragged down but they are already showing signs they are a better team than we think and West ham are too good. Its bad news alround and I know who I blame for this although I wont bother saying his name. All I will say is what was the point of season ticket prices going up.

Ratings:

• Kirkland: Very good and kept us in it first half. Had to have a mad dash back at the end where he looked a clown but he was very good and if we carry on how we are playing then we can wave any chance of getting him permanent goodbye.
• Watson: Gave away the penalty. He is too slow to be a winger or wing back. Play him in the centre or dont play him at all.
• Davies: Goal on his debut and was very good. For only 20 he will be a future England star.
• Clement: He did his job and although I will have to watch MOTD about his part in the second goal, I think he did okay.
• Robinson: Fast becoming a true fans favourite. He works so hard and although he dont have the pace, he does have the heart. One of the only people to come out of the first half with anything good to say about him.
• Greening: Has got to cross the ball faster. He had an average first half although second half he looked better.
• Gera: One of the best players on the pitch. He works very hard and has a touch of class. He will not be an Albion player next year because he is too good.
• Wallwork: Drop him now. He is not good enough. If he was anyone else he would have been dropped by now. He will get in the side for Blackburn but it is not good enough. His head has dropped and it took him 6 months last time his head dropped to get back some form.
• Johnson: I have always stuck up for him because he worked so hard but now I cant. He is not good enough for this league and he needs to be sold to Leeds, or Forest where he can play out the rest of his career.
• Earnshaw: Worked very hard but to no avail. He is too small and when you dont have a midfield backing you up then it is a hard job to do anything. Will be better with Kanu "in the hole".
• Campbell: Worked hard but again, no midfield, strikers become useless.

Subs:

• Kamara: Needs to start. I have seen him twice now and I can understand why the pompey fans wanted to keep him. He has pace and he changed the game. Richardson's replacement maybe.
• Horsefield: Worked hard when he came on but he keeps getting caught offside. Why dont they practice with him.
• Ellington: Looked like he did Campbell's role much better than he did vs Wigan and Blues. Should have really started.

Just a final thing. Why was the referee so slow in making desicions. Everything had a 5 second delay. No one new if it was a penalty as well because he could have been pointing out a goal kick.

I hope we improve but the gap is widening between us and the rest. Something must be done because I already think we will be playing the Dingles next season.

The Throstles are great:

On Radio WM tonight 'Franks'y said if "Albion carry on like this they could find themselves in trouble' (!)

Wrong Paul WE MOST DEFINITELY ARE IN DEEP, DEEP TROUBLE. and without a radical rethink we can all look forward to the delights of some lovely days out at the likes of Brighton, Stoke, Luton, and Cardiff, come the start of next season.

As staunch a supporter as i am of Bryan Robson i simply cannot and WILL NOT defend his decision to continue to pick Mr Wallwork, and Mr Johnson in central mid-field.

Bryan PLEASE, PLEASE, admit that they simply aren't good enough to play in the Premiership and your continuing decision to include them week in, week out, comes about because they are your particular favourites. HOWEVER BADLY THEY ARE PLAYING.

Chaplow, and Inamoto (not even on the bench) are well worth a start. Ellington and Kamara , both with genuine pace still aren't considered for a starting place, while Campbell is surely being played on sentiment.

I repeat, and doubt if anyone who saw the first half today will disagree, we're heading down to the 'Fizzy Pop' League in double quick time. I have yet to see ANY team who pass the ball as badly (no shockingly) as the Baggies.

Robbo, also on WM, said we passed the ball badly in the first half, sorry Bryan we pass it badly every match, and no excuses you can put forward can possibly excuse such dismal performances.

He also said " we passed it much better in the second half" Now that couldn't be because of the VERY necessary changes he made after the break could it?

The only 'new' plus points for me was Curtis Davies, Zoltan Gera was as busy as ever, and Kamara's display made the decision to start without him look a Robbo' selection clanger of the highest order.

Yes we improved in the second-half BUT the net result is that after six games we're in an automatic relegation spot, have conceded more goals than any other of our rivals, have lost three successive home games, have 5 points out 18, and last seasons 'Great Escape's' heroics has merely staved off a return to the lower level of football our displays deserve.

That's it. Disgusted, Disillusioned, and Downcast. To think we travel to Blackburn next week, and after losing (inevitably) to the Arsenal, and most probably Bolton, those who are 'brave' enough to make a mid-week trip to Fulham can see us crash out of the Carling Cup.

On that subject how many of you out there ARE going to travel to Craven Cottage for this 'truly' unmissable fixture?

ESPECIALLY IF THE LIKES OF WALLWORK, JOHNSON, AND CAMPBELL are inevitably in the starting line up?

Jules:

I've given up optimism when it comes to the Albion, I knew we'd get nothing and for the third league game at home in a row we haven't. Our relegation 'rivals' seem to be racing ahead of us, what have Wigan and West Ham got that we haven't? Answer: a football team that grasps the idea that you have to score goals to win. With both Sunderland and Albion once again in the premiership together will it mean these two will once again occupy the bottom two places come may?

I hate booing at the end of a game but before the start of the game is malicious. But for once it was justified. The jeering of AJ, Wallwork and Campbell was called for in my opinion because they DO NOT DESERVE A PLACE IN THE SQUAD. They are lovely blokes who probably have the best of intentions but when given the task (particularly in the case of AJ and Wallwork) of quiding the midfield and the team to play its way up the league table they are useless.

It takes two thousand season tickets to pay for one player's wages for the season. But what do the West Bromwich Albion Corporation care if their customers aren't satisfied? They know footballs in our blood and that we wouldn't give it up so they can dish out as much crap as they like and we keep coming back for more like mugs!

The only players in stripes who deserve any credit today are Earnie, Robinson, Kirkland and Davies and for the odd few spells here and there Gera. Robinson and Kirkland seem to be the only permenant starters these days that deserve any Credit. Players that have recently had good games like Kamara, Chaplow, Inamoto, Kanu, Carter and Earnie don't seem to get selected. So we get stuck with the likes of AJ and Wallwork who haven't had a good game since 2003 and Easter this year respectively. What are they going to do against Arsenal in 3 weeks?

On a lighter note the fries and nuggets at mcdonalds were spot on today, we even got a table! Got a lot better value for money the other side of the Birmingham Road today and have done all season to be honest.

Best way to get destitute: go and watch the Albion and buy its constantly changing strips. Best way to get depressed: go and watch the Albion

WEST BROMWICH ALBION, YOU ARE MAKING THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE VERY UNHAPPY

Lets give a place to those who deserve it for the trip to Blackburn:

                  Kuszczak
Albrechtson   Davies   Moore   Robinson
                  Inamoto
Gera                               Kamara
                    Kanu
             Ellignton
                          Earnie      
   

Subs: Chaplow, Horfield, Clement, Smikle, Kirkland

We're already in the crap, no use denying it. Time to start playing and scoring NOW.

Dad:

Nowork and Pass-it-back Johno... these two muppets will be the nail in the coffin of this team come November, let alone Christmas. I have never, in all the years I've been going to the Hawthorns, seen such a shower of absolute ineptness as those two numptees.

Robson must be absolutely deluded... one of them aint a hypnotist, by any chance? Have they put Robbo under some sort of spell that says "play us, every week... even though we're complete pants..."

Said it all for me today, when first, Kamara came on for AJ at half time, and the crowd cheered... not for Kamara coming on, but for the fact that Johnson was off! And second, Nowork.... he was soooo bad, that at one point, the crowd actually booed him ! [when he made yet another stray pass]

Just how many times did he lose the ball in possession?

Just how many times did he spray an inch-perfect, defence-splitting pass to one of our forwards? How many times did he battle back? How many times did he win a header? It is a disgrace that he plays for this club, pure & simple.

Oh... and GIVE Johnson to Forest... they deserve him.

We're down. At least while either of those plonkers gets a place in the team.

John Hipkiss:

What the hell is Robbo playing at?

A few facts:

1. Campball not in the team on Tuesday and we score 4, in the team today and we lose.
2. We saw that Ernie and Duke can play together, so why not try them out in the prem?
3. GET INAMOTO ON
4. GET INAMOTO ON

I cannot believe the pile of shite we are dealing out at the moment. Losing is one thing, but when most of the fans can see what needs to be changed and the manager can't, maybe we all should take over from him.

I am not for one moment calling for him to be sacked, that will come if he is still picking the same team, picking up 0 points and bottom at Christmas.

I am very disappointed we have not moved on from last season. Thought this was our chance to become established, but we look like we've blown it, and it's only 7 games in!!!!!

paulie:

okay, if everton fans want rid of their manager, then i will gladly swap our clueless inept gaffer for moyes.

is there a single albion fan on the planet who thinks aj is a premier league player? and i was never fooled by ronnie woodwork's brief resurgence last season.

as other fans have mentioned, the fact that robson couldn't understand why we played so much better in the second half, is really scary.

didge:

Another typical game against Charlton. They get an early goal and then do much as they please. We were good in the second half, but charlton were in containing mode then and probably could have stepped up a gear if required. I think the mistakes were made in the close season, because although we spent more than a relegation rivals it is hard to argue that the money was spent wisely. We needed 5 players - a keeper, right back, experienced centre back, centre mid and a striker. Kirkland is an improvement and despite other people's reservations, I think Watson has done OK at right back. Kamara looked good today and it is too early to make a judgement on Ellington. We have clearly overpaid for Chaplow and Carter.

The result is that apart from Sunderland we have the worst pair of centre mid and centre back in the premiership (davies looks Ok , but will obviously will make mistakes as he adapts to the premiership). These are key postions which will cost us. History shows that the weakest defences go down and the goals against tally doesn't lie. Maybe we were wrong footed when Richardson's on/off return didn't happen. What we needed were players with premership nous such as Alan Stubbs and Gary Speed and wouldn't have been that expensive. after so many signings we shouldn't need to buy anyone in the next window, but will have to if we are to stay up - by then, the damage may already have been done.

John - Nottingham:

So, Brian is 'puzzled'. Well, as many have already pointed out, he was just about the only one who was. Johnson and Wallwork? As they say in the States, you do the math. I'm sorry, but if Robson is incompetent enough to be puzzled by the fact that Charlton ran rings around that particular central midfield pairing he should hand in his notice and let somebody else have a go.

There was one particularly shameful moment in the first half down on the right side when Wallwork simply turned his back on the advancing Charlton player and just couldn't be bothered to put in a challenge. Check it out Robson, its on the match video. I don't like to pick on guys who represent the club I've followed for 35 years, but they earn much, much more than most of us will ever do, so I think they should take it on the chin.

Robson, Peace, and one or two of the players should be ashamed of themelves. They're on the Premiership gravy train, but their performances don't warrant it. Peace inherited a newly promoted club with fanatical support, and has failed to establish us as a convincing Premiership outfit. His summer transfer dealings were poor. Robson, apart from a decent patch which helped us to survive last year, has constructed a side that is, in footballing parlance, a 'soft touch'. Players-wise we do have some thoroughly decent, gutsy professionals, like Robinson and Gera, and even Johnson, although he's not good enough at his level, always gives his best. However, one or two give the impression that they just don't care enough and are happy to pick up the money without improving as players.

Once, just once, I'd like to open the papers on a Sunday and see a report saying that we simply played really well and won. When was the last time that happened?

thecads:

A game I never expected to win to be honest.

A game i knew we were never going to win when the team was announced.

When 22,000 fans in the ground let out a collective groan and subsequent boos (can't agree with booing before playing btw) the moment a pairing of Aj and woodwork were announced, why can't robbo see it? more moans when campbell was included - i can see his strengths and benefits, to the team, but we do need to score goals and at the moment he isn't scoring or creating - on that basis he shouldn't be there.

I took my 5 year old for his second game yesterday - his birthday treat??!!! He kept looking around nervously in the first half where the atmosphere was quite simply nasty. second half was more positive and happy and he settled and enjoyed it. thankfully he wants to go again.

whether i take him again or whether i want to go myself is a different matter (yes i've got my two season tickets) - but if this is the drivel we're going to get every week, i'm having to make myself go - for years i've loooked forward to going every week, but now.....

team marks -

• kirkland - 7 2 superb saves
• davies - 6 - fast, some good tackles, passing a little wayward
• clem, 6 - usual game
• robbo - 6 - 2nd goal came down his flank - cross not interecpted
• watson - 6 - pen his fault, but i thought he was solid.
• gera -6 some flashes of genius - still not involved enough for me - put him in the middle
• johnny - 7 - looked class
• woodwork - 4 - wayward pasing under pressure - need replacing
• aj - 4 not his fault he's being picked - i feel sorry for him - he was loved by albion fans, but we're turning against him due to his selection
• campbell - 5 - won some good flick ons, did ok, but must take chances - had one clear cut header and put it into goalie's midriff
• earnie - 6 - tried hard
• kamara - 8 - superb, play from start of games on the left, greening right, gera middle with anyone except for aj and woodwork

to be honest i'm writing the same as the last two weeks - passing pathetic in first half, too route one - at least second half better.

atmosphere horrible first half, but fans want to see effort and passing, or at least some idea of play - at the moment we're not getting it - second half was an improvemnt - the pace of kamara lifted the whole team.

i'm seriously worried if robbo cannot see the weakness of the team he is picking. he's taking us down and quickly

a very depressed and fed up cads

Loyalist_wba:

Pete Cottrell:

On the way to the first game of the season I remarked to my brother that I felt sorry for Andy Johnson. He had been a good servant to the club and had been instrumental in us gaining promotion on two occasions, but now he must be tenth choice midfielder behind Gera, Kamara, Inamoto, Greening, Chaplow, Carter, Wallwork, Watson and Scimeca and we would probably never see him again. And quite right, because however much he tries he will never hack it as a premiership player any more than John Prescott could become a male model. If 20,000 Albion supporters can see that, why can?t Robson?

Ditto Wallwork. Under Megson he was surly, lazy and prone to making impatient hand / arm gestures trying to off-load the blame when anything went wrong. Despite huge improvements under Robson last season he has gone right back to the Ronnie No-work persona. He was awful against Wigan, poor (or so I am told) against Sunderland and abject yesterday. Just what does he need to get dropped? I don?t like to hear players booed (even the opposition, without good reason) but I couldn?t bring myself to condemn those who let their disappointment show by booing his name when read out and later booed some of his ?couldn?t care less? actions on the pitch.

Campbell for me had one of his better games, but he should not have started above a fired-up Ellington or fit again Horse, and formed the third of the trio who Robson seems to pick regardless of how they are playing or what the circumstances are. I know that neither the manager nor anyone who has his ear is likely to read this, but if you do, bear this in mind: when the team was read out, everyone in the stadium knew that we would lose. Had the team been announced two hours previously and most people not already paid for their tickets, thousands would not have even bothered to turn up. The only rational reason that I can think of for this sort of team selection is that Robson is on a bonus for the number of places that we can climb up the table AFTER Christmas.

Two previous reviewers have criticised Peace. What for? He doesn?t pick the team, and he has made money available to Robson to waste how he sees fit. If Robson had consistently played the best players that he has available I?m sure that we would not now be in the dire straits that we are. Inamoto played the only time that we kept a clean sheet this season; Chaplow looks fired up every time he plays; Carter looks promising; Ellington is so far disappointing, but he cannot feel confident when he is elbowed out of the way for a geriatric and a lightweight midget. Blame the manager ? not the Chairman.

If I can make just three pleas:

1. Will Robson please play a decent midfield ? he has enough to pick from (how about Kamara, Chaplow, Inamoto, Gera with Greening on the bench?)
2. Will Billy Squasher please answer his emails
3. Will someone teach Horsfield the off-side rule.

And one question:

1. Why does Robson think that it is necessary for us to go behind before playing attacking football?

Player ratings:

• Kirkland 6: Two good saves. Does he talk to his defenders enough, though?
• Watson 5: Not fast enough for full-back. Run ragged for first goal and was duly punished.
• Davies 6: Decent enough home debut. Lacks confidence on the ball, but that will come with time.
• Clement 6: Some wonderful tackles. Positioning a bit suspect. Can no longer take a decent free kick.
• Robinson 6: Had a torrid time against Rommedahl and one of many at fault for second goal. Good attacking options.
• Gera 6: Excellent in first half (can?t say that about many) but a lot just didn?t seem to come off in the second half.
• Wallwork 3: We thought he was shite, and now we?re proved right.
• Johnson 2: Didn?t contribute a single thing. It was probably his removal as much as Kamara?s inclusion that led to the second half improvement.
• Greening 5: Lost the plot. No longer takes on defenders and corners are woeful. Better in more orthodox midfield role in second half.
• Campbell 6: Led the line well. With decent support from midfield could have had more of an impact. Missed fairly easy header in first half.
• Earnie 6: Much better all round performance except in what is supposed to be his strong point of out-running defenders on to through balls.
• Kamara 7: Provided a breath of fresh air and ran at the opposition (something that only Gera was doing otherwise). Should start ahead of Greening.
• Horse 4: Can somebody please tell him (a) what offside means and (b) that arms are supposed to be used for fending defenders off only in rugby.
• Ellington 5: Largely ineffective; a couple of good crosses, though.
• Robson 2: Most inept team selection since Megson had his ?down? on Marshall, Taylor, Koumas etc. And can he please remember that when teams together like strangers it could be that they are. Do something about it will you!

AJ-B:

Baggins:

How can Robson continue to pick a player that:-

1. Marks space instead of an opposing player when we don't have possession.
2. Can't pass forward.
3. Can't shoot with either foot.
4. Runs around a lot but at one speed.
5. Can't put in a decent challenge in the air.
6. Points and directs teamates but takes no personal resonsibilty.
7. Is rarely seen in either box.

Although he's bad enough, I'm not talking about Ronnie Wallwork!