New faces appearing

15 December 2000

Some progress has now been made on strengthening the squad, and more could be on the way if things work out.

With transfer fees, personal terms and work permits all sorted out, Slovakian wing-back Igor Balis has completed his move from Slovan Bratislava and will be in the squad for Saturday's game at Watford. Balis, reported with an age ranging from 30 to 32, has had his passport stamped until summer 2003 - which gives him two and a half years to play for Albion.

Joining the club on trial is American International defender Jeff Agoos, of whom we know very little other than him having made over 100 appearances for his national side and currently playing for Washington DC United - the American equivalent of Manchester United. Roy Tipton, however, is one of many Baggies fans and web site readers based in the USA and gave us the following view:

"OK, I've seen Agoos play on many occassions, and he has his good and bad days. I think he is one of our more consistent defenders [our=USA], and he comes through in the late moments of the game, keeping his composure under pressure. Having seen only American football (soccer), I can't compare him to anyone you might know, but when he's got the ball you can bet it won't end up in our net - very few give-aways, and confident in posession. I rate him as one of our best and most experienced national team players. DC United is a very talented team, and he would be on the bench if he didn't pull his weight."

Another US correspondent, Larry Guengerich, added:

"When you look up the words 'rugged defender' in the dictionary, Jeff Agoos is pictured. I think he will do well for you. A great player, a hard worker and a player who is loyal to his team! While I will cheer passionately for him to do well as an American in the UK, I will be sad to see him leave DC United."

Terry Wills asked Megson about Agoos at the Press Conference today, and was told:

"I haven't seen him, he's come on a recommendation from an agent who we know, and I rang up Steve Nicol, a friend of mine over there, and my brother. And just for his pedigree we thought it would be worthwhile to bring him over to have a look."

THE Steve Nicol?

"Yes, Liverpool's Steve Nicol who was here for a spell. He's with the Boston Bulldogs"

Is Steve he the manager or the coach...?

"He's the Bulldog!!"

On the other hand, the USA is still a long way behind England in terms of football standard - most people take the view that even its national side would struggle against our Premiership sides, perhaps evidenced by the lack of American players in sides other than American ones. If nothing else, it's an open invite for crap puns. Ceefax used the headline "Albion take a gander at Agoos". Arf!

Finally, a Board meeting earlier in the week resulted in what could be taken as a clear statement on the Club's ambition for this season. Manager Gary Megson went into the meeting to discuss his plans for the second half of the season, based on our progress so far, with the view that we have a "massive prize" [i.e. promotion?] within our grasp. The result was that the Club launched a major bid for an as-yet unnamed player, suggesting straight away that they agree with him and are keen to back his plans. We now have to wait and see what happens...

Previous Stories:

  11 December 2000:  HTFC-World do it again!

  10 December 2000:  FA Cup: It's Derby again!

  08 December 2000:  Rights Issue exceeds expectations

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