Ellington speaks on WM

02 February 2007

This really was an exclusive interview as Daz Hale explained Nathan had contacted WM to tell just why he had asked for a transfer. Below are main points but as the call was made via a mobile phone, the quality at times was very poor - meaning it was somewhat difficult to 'take in'. But here are the relevant points.(Remember this isn't a transcript, it's taken from memory!)

Why did you ask for a transfer?

"I wasn't playing regularly and felt that when i did i did reasonably well (scoring a few goals) it wasn't enough. I always found myself back on the bench and i wasn't picked for about a month. I spoke to Tony Mowbray who told me that he felt he wanted his first choice strikers to play when they were available."

"That's fair enough it's the managers decision and i had to go along with that. I asked myself 'what more can i do. If i'm not appreciated it's holding back my career, I'll have to move on and perhaps go back to Wigan to play for the Manager who i know very well, and of course it's much nearer my home."

What were you told about the valuation placed on you?

"My Agent told me it ?2 and half million. But i was then told the club had raised that to ?3-1/2. I was led to believe that when Wigan offered to include a player as well, Albion had decided it didn't meet their valuation. I think that was too high and it was holding me back."

You were told the club had increased their valuation?

"Yes that's what i was led to believe."

What is your relationship with Tony Mowbray?

"It's fine. He's a very compassionate man. He's tried very hard to get me a deal and he understands the situation. No problem with him at all."

How do you get on with Jeremy Peace?

It's ok. We speak when we see each other. There's no problem.

Some Albion supporters say you really didn't want to come to the Albion and you haven't settled in.Is that right. And you wanted to go back to Wigan?

"I came to Albion to help my career and make a name for myself. I wanted to do well. Why would i come here in the first place to go back to Wigan?"

Were you suffering from stress as reported?

"No i wasn't suffering from stress. One day i wasn't well and the doctor asked if i had been feeling stressed at the time.If so it could have been down to the situation i found myself in. But i was Ok next day."

It's said you didn't want to play. Is that right?

"It was just that as i was anticipating a move i couldn't get my head around the situation. I didn't want to get injured which could have jeopardised a transfer. I really thought i would be moving on."

Is Albion a Happy club? We've heard about the Chris Perry fall out, Wallwork was moved out. Quashie has been sold. So is it a Happy club?

"Yes it is a happy club there's no problem there. We're doing well it's just that I feel I'm not getting enough chances on a regular basis."

What's going to happen next, Nathan? It seems that as the transfer window's closed you'll be staying at the Hawthorns unless you go out on loan. What's the situation now?

"I'll sit down with Tony Mowbray. He appreciates my position. I'm still a West Brom player and I'll do my best for them while I'm here."

So that's it fellow Baggies. Make of it what you will. Remember it's not a 'word for word' translation but the substance of the interview is passed on from memory. For me after listening I have to admit to having some sympathy with his thoughts. He's never had a consistent run in the side and his scoring record stands up to scrutiny.

As for not wanting to risk injury which could jeopardise a possible move, for me, if he had been picked, he should have gone out to prove his worth which would surely have benefited both himself and the club?

As to whether the club had increased his initial valuation (?) I think he said he was led to believe that was the situation? I suppose his Agent could have put that forward to counter Albion's original valuation (?) but in the 'murky' world of Football transfer dealings who really knows exactly what, and to who, was said by an agent or the Club?

As this was an 'Exclusive' interview for WM, broadcast after 8 pm I would imagine that not too many supporters would have heard the broadcast. So for those who want to hear it in full I have checked with the Station and it's being repeated tonight [Friday] during Paul Frank's 'Football phone-in. Usual time 6-05 to 8 PM. Listen in and make up your own mind?

 - Terry Wills

Previous Stories:

  31 January 2007:  Hoult leaves for Stoke

  30 January 2007:  Kiely joins Albion!

  30 January 2007:  FA Cup R5 Preview

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