Steve Clarke
By Chris Lepkowski | 29 Aug 2013 22:30
Steve Clarke claims Albion have no chance of bringing Romelu Lukaku back to the Hawthorns - but they have joined the growing race for his Chelsea team-mate Victor Moses.
The Baggies boss celebrated his 50th birthday on Thursday but his demeanour was one of a man frustrated with a lack of new signings, especially with four days of the transfer window remaining.
Clarke wants two more forward players before Monday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
But one player who can be crossed off the list is Lukaku.
Clarke did ask his former colleague and close friend Jose Mourinho about Lukaku’s availability, but the Belgium international is very much part of Chelsea’s plans.
However, Chelsea are expected to make winger Moses available on loan, which does appeal to Clarke, even though the ex-Wigan man is also reportedly on the radar of Liverpool, Everton and Southampton, casting major doubt over Albion’s chances of landing him.
Clarke said: “Lukaku? I don’t think so. I’ve not spoken to anyone recently about Lukaku but I exchanged text messages with Jose about three or four weeks ago.
“He said Lukaku definitely won’t be going out and I think he’s right.
“Moses is available to come out and he’s a player we would be interested in.
“But I can’t say I’m confident in landing him or any player at the moment."
Clarke is clearly concerned that Albion’s squad is not as strong as he would like it to be.
Albion, along with Arsenal, have yet to spend a single penny on transfer fees this summer.
“Time is short," he added.
“I’m getting nervous and I’m concerned we’ve left it too late - that we won’t get the players in to improve the squad.
“We do need some help. Scott (Sinclair) coming in was great as he gave the place a lift.
“It would be nice to get a couple of others in but If we don’t we go with what we’ve got. It’s a long way to go until January so there will be no other solution.
“The chairman and Richard Garlick (sporting and technical director) are working hard to make things fall for us but a lot of the big targets are gone now.
“As a head coach - I’m not a manager with a budget, remember - means the club have the final say.
“I can make recommendations but it’s down to the club to bring in players. My job is to work with the players.
“It would be nice if the club could help us with a couple of signings before the window shuts - but rather than it being for me as a birthday present, it would be a nice gift for the squad because we still need one or two more numbers in."
Clarke confirmed that Gabriel Tamas was available for sale and revealed that Boaz Myhill would start against Swansea, provided he was fully fit.
He is still keen to bring in an experienced goalkeeper and may look to the free agent market - which would enable him to sign a player outside of the transfer window - should something not materialise before Monday night.
One player who will definitely play a part against Swansea is Nicolas Anelka.
Clarke claims he had no qualms that the Frenchman would return, despite the 34-year-old expressing concerns over his playing career following the death of agent Eric Manasse.
“It didn’t cross my mind ever that Nicolas wouldn’t come back to us," added Clarke.
“I know that had I needed to persuade Nicolas to come back then it would be wrong - but as soon as he walked in the door on Wednesday I knew he was right and wanted to be part of the squad. He wants to finish his career on a high."
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steve-clarke-lukaku-beyond-west-5815379
SC seems worried.
posted on 30/8/13
SC is clearly and understandably frustrated by the lack of support from JP, RG and others and who could blame him if he decides to jump from a sinking ship.
When you look at the investments made by the likes of Swansea, Southampton and others, JP's comments about us being only a mid-table Championship club have a horrible ring of truth about them.
The word doomed springs to mind.
posted on 30/8/13
Whilst one admires and respects the prudent fiscal policy adopted by JP in controlling the financial viability of the club, that does not go to say one should adopt the osterich syndrome and bury ones head in the sand and ignore potential dangers as though the danger does not exist.
Onward and upward controlled investment is needed and that just ain't happening.
Doomed like the osterich?
posted on 30/8/13
Aries me old mucka..... Yum better off in the land of the sand than around Sandwell and The Vine right now pint or no pint!
TWTBM
posted on 30/8/13
Oh dear :
Agree with Clarke's comments or not, notion he has aired them is significant. He's held back all summer. Finally spurred to comment #wba
Some players have also passed comments re transfers. Not their place to, but seen fit to support their boss. Again, significant #wba
Clarke took job knowing club's policy. But he clearly wants a bit more help this window - understandable while his name is above door #wba
posted on 31/8/13
It's all very well taking a job knowing a club's policy, but it's the lack of urgency in getting transfer targets on board. Look how much time we lost haggling over Scott Sinclair when time could have been spent enquiring into Victor Moses's availability and subsequent chase-up, and Amalfitano's. JP needs to support his talented and respected Head Coach, and he and Richard Garlick need to stop messing about wasting time or else we will lose Steve Clarke - he will walk if this happens again in January.
Baggie Man, I have my finger on the ja606 pulse. But it's bloody depressing what's coming out of the Albion boardroom right now. I'll have a pint of Batham's next time at The Vine.
posted on 31/8/13
Taken from the BBC Sport website today (31 August 2013)
0843:
GET INVOLVED
Ian Hall: WBA approach the transfer market like a tortoise watching a bunch of hares fly off. They're useless.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23905566
posted on 31/8/13
You wonder if Richard Garlick's a rabbit caught in the headlights.
posted on 31/8/13
To be frank, I'm not at all impressed with the performance of Richard Garlick to date.
Whilst he has to step into the huge shoes of DA, his performance to date seems to be that you would expect of a Work Experience candidate.
The headlights and rabbits scenario may well hit the right button Aries - just wish someone would run the begger over and start afresh.
Rabbit pie with garlick anyone ?
TWTBM
posted on 31/8/13
Don't buy into that 'Garlick' argument.
It's been well documented that this seasons summer plans were already put in place by Dan Ashworth. Obviously he hasn't been here in person to iron out deals but that isn't something I see RG messing up. It's purely down to lack of investment and being overly petty money wise regarding wages etc...
posted on 1/9/13
However you look at it, JP and RG are the guys who get the targeted players in. We faffed about for weeks over Scott Sinclair, and Steve Clarke says he wants another two signings, possibly three. At the rate we got Scott Sinclair in, I can't see that happening. RG is Technical and Sporting Director. He carries the can for the football side of the club. Whatever plans were laid and left in place by Dan Ashworth, Garlick is now the man in charge. JP also needs to take his Head Coach seriously when told what targets are wanted. If we don't get anyone else in before tomorrow (September 2) don't expect Steve Clarke to hang around for another summer like this.