Albion Squad in 24 hour suspense

08 May 2000

After putting their supporters through some very stressful times in the closing weeks of the season, West Brom's players have a day of their own sort of stress as they wait for manager Gary Megson to announce who he wants to keep for next season and who he doesn't. Megson has told all his players to report to the Club tomorrow for the list to be announced, although it seems certain that the names have been decided for some time - but he wanted the season out of the way before making them public. A number of players, certainly, will be sweating - Andy McDermott, Graham Potter and Sean Flynn are all out of contract and in some cases there don't appear to have been any moves to offer new ones.

Reports had been circulating that one of Megson's priorities would be to offer contracts to Des Lyttle and Georges Santos, both of whom played a key role in helping Albion escape relegation - but it remains to be seen whether terms can be agreed. Lyttle spent the last weeks of the season on loan along with Neil Clement, who reports suggest would also like a contract with Albion due to the limited prospects of first team action at Chelsea. Santos actually signed permanently, but only till the end of the season because League rules impose a limit of two on the number of loan players allowed at any one time. Santos, certainly, would make a valuable addition to the squad because of his physical presence and his ability to play in almost any position, and both he and Lyttle have been a big hit with the fans.

Megson also has considerable funds available to strenthen the squad, thanks mainly to the sale of Enzo Maresca to Juventus a few months ago. Although the exact amount available is being kept secret, Chairman Paul Thompson suggested that it would compare very favourably with most Division One Clubs. Everything I've heard suggests that there are going to be some major changes over the next few weeks. And I thought I'd get a rest now that the season had finished...

Previous Stories:

  05 May 2000:  Full House for Survival Battle

  29 April 2000:  Suits @ Shepherds Bush - The Winners!

  26 April 2000:  Little takes over as Hull manager

Back to the News Index