By Tony Pollard
September 10 2006

Jason Koumas Returns to the fold. And puts pen to paper in a new three year deal. Albion add striker to squad with the addition of Kevin Philips from Aston Villa. What a week.
Well the Jason Koumas saga is finally over. Jason has put pen to paper on a new improved 3 year deal.It is expected to take up to a month before Robbo includes the welsh wizard into his first team squad. And a dam sight longer i would have thought before the fans take him back into their hearts. If in fact they ever will.

We have a new striker to welcome to the Hawthorns, 33year old Kevin Philips has travelled all the way from Vile Park, to wear the no 21 shirt. After much interest from his former club, and Mondays bank holiday opponents Sunderland, Kevin put pen to paper in a two year deal. A deal which has cost the Albion in the region of £700,000p. Should help the departing Deadly Doug's coffers a little healthier i would have thought.

Also this week, Albion took a much changed squad to Brisbane road to play Leyton Orient, in the Carling Cup first round.
Kevin Philips was drafted into the side. As was Stuart Nicholson, Paul Mcshane, Martin Albrechtsen, Darren Carter And Richard Chaplow.

The team that took the field in Thursdays televised game has certainly given Robbo food for thought. After goals from Nicholson, Carter and Greening, made sure of Albions inclusion into the next round draw. The result finished 3-0.

A special mention must go out to Stuart Nicholson, Who scored his first senior goal for the club. Which also saw him collect a yellow card for his celebration with his Father in the crowd. Referees with common sense eh.

And so its to the bank holiday fixture away to Sunderland.
If rumours are to be believed then it could be Roy Keane's first match as manager. Lets hope they are lifted after our game eh.

News is looking good for the above named fixture with, Kevin Philips recovering from a calf problem in time to make a return to the stadium of light so soon.
Also the Duke has come through two days of full training. With no effects on the hamstring that has seen him leave the field of play in recent games.

The club has also told us that D. Kamara and N. Clement are 3 to 4 weeks away from returning to first team action. And that Tommy G is still on the long term injury list.