Koumas: What might have been

28 March 2002

Well, after a pursuit so long it makes the chariot race in Ben Hur look like a trip to the corner shop, the Koumas deal is fully, officially, dead. And, perhaps, just a little bit smelly.

Chairman Paul Thompson revealed on local radio last night that Koumas had come to the Hawthorns on Monday for a look round, agreed personal terms and passed a medical, the latter carrying on well out of normal hours in order to expedite the deal. Koumas went back to Tranmere to sort out "a few loose ends" and they expected his signature on the contract the next day, ready for him to go off on International duty for Wales and report for training at Albion on Thursday.

Next thing they knew, he'd changed his mind and turned down the move, saying that it wasn't right for him at this point because of his personal circumstances. Admittedly, they included his seven month-pregnant girlfriend, and his lack of a car and a driving license, but these could all be handled if the desire were there to do so. It's just extremely annoying that it's happened at such a late stage in the season, two days before transfer deadline, especially as the likely signing of Koumas had influenced the club's decisions regarding other permanent and loan signings.

Now, we mean no disrespect to Tramere, but it's hard to see how the move could be in anything but the best interests of a young, up and coming, ambitious footballer. Albion are on the brink of Premiership football, a well supported and financially secure club in an impressive stadium with one of the best managers outside the top flight. If the move doesn't appeal to Koumas, then we believe it's his loss more than ours. Megson has put together a team that is one hundred percent committed to the cause and, sad though it is, if Koumas doesn't wan't to be part of it then we have to accept that and move on. Our midfield, especially, have worked like Trojans all season to help get us where we are, bearing much of the burden imposed by our lack of firepower up front; it will be hard enough making way for Johnson when he returns from injury, let alone Koumas as well.

With the ITV Digital saga looking set to drag through the courts in acrimonious circumstances, perhaps the money is best left in the bank for now to ensure our healthy survival. We don't want to sound like vultures preying on the clubs who've stretched themselves to their financial limits and beyond, but it looks like there will be a large number of players in the shop window very soon who could be available at bargain prices to those in better shape.

Previous Stories:

  27 March 2002:  ITV Digital applies for Administration

  27 March 2002:  Koumas says "no", say Tranmere

  27 March 2002:  Transfer roundup

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