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Big Russell Holt is the first to be seen. "Right matey, we have 3 goalies at this club with Kirkland and Kuszczak the friendlies will determine who starts the season, at a quick glane I put you 2nd in the pecking order, but I am aware that you had vast premiership experience last year," Russell nods his head "Ok thats quick to the point, at least I know where I stand"

"Look Russell I like your style alot and you still have a big future at this club"

We shake hands and he leaves. Nigel looks in amazement "Let me get this right you are going to see all the players and tell them what you think about them" "Look Nigel they need to know from the beginning what I feel, it might give some of them a kick up the backside so we won't have to fight another relegation battle"

"Ok your the boss"

Chris Kirkland is next. "Morning Chris, just want to say how pleased I am that you have joined us on loan, you should add vast experience to the club and also give the other 2 some competition. I have already seen Russ and explained that the friendlies will determine who starts the season, quickly I would suggest you, however poor displays in friendlies will obviously leave the door open for the others"

"Thanks, I'm just glad to be given the opportunity of trying to relaunch my career after my niggling injury problems, I'm sure I can repay you"

Only Kuszczak left and he is eager to see me. "Morning Boss" I look at him and he sees anxious I open his file and notice that he has made only a handful of first team appearances in a 2 year period. "Look we have 3 goalies at the club fighting for 1 position, you may have to spend some time in the reserves for a while or even consider going out on loan as you haven't had much first team experience, however I have not completely decided who my no 1 goalie is and you will have the opportunity of proving yourself during the friendlies. I will relook at the options following these"

"Ok boss, I just want to play football ideally with West Brom but understand"

Well he certainly took that well and I felt kind of sorry for him.

Next up the defenders

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"Curtis is here Lee" Curtis Davies a recent signing from Luton walks in. "Hi, I haven't seen alot of you so will be looking for some good performances in the build up to the season, its up to you to prove yourself to me,, good performances and your in the team, bad ones and well we'll decide on that if it happens" Curtis doesn't say anything he arrived at the club a couple of days before me from Luton so its all change for him. Nigel admires Curtis' marking techniques and feels he should be in the team. "Look Nigel we are starting with a clean slate, everybody and I mean everybody will be given a chance, if they don't perform then they will be dropped or not considered its as simple as that"

I enjoy watching Albrechsten play but was alarmed to hear that he felt my appointment might disgruntle the team. I don't question him about his feelings but lay down that if he wants to be in the team then he has to play well enough. I keep it short and sweet and lay down he needs to perform well to even be considered.

Riccardo Sciemca enters the room he was one of the players I could not relate to he was versatile and never let you down but did nothing spectacular. "Look Riccardo if you want to be in the first 11 you are going to have to perform well, get fit and motivated and give me something to shout about"

Neil Clement strolls in looking laid back smiling "Well Neil, I know Bryan liked you alot but that doesn't guarantee you being in my team, use the friendlies to your advantage and play well and your in, its as simple as that"

"Will I remain Captain?" "Look I have said nobody knows who's in the starting 11 so how can I decide who's the bloomy captain" He walks out less enthusastic than when he walked in.

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KUTGW :thup:

I love to read in depth stories like this but just haven't got the patience to write them myself, I just want to get on with the action.

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Paul Robinson strolls in, he's a big strapping lad who I can recall was told to get fit before the start of the season. He was a consistent player in Bryan's team. "Hi Paul, I'm being honest and upfront with everybody today and sussing out team selection we have a few defenders to choose from and feel that you and Clement will be fighting for the left side position. I haven't made any decisions just waiting to get a closer look at everybody?" Paul looks at me shrugs his shoulders and replies "Well I knew that, its been like that for ages" I feel a touch of sarcism in his voice that instantly gives me negative thoughts, but I should not let this interfere with team selection.

Thomas Gaarsoe is next in a danish international who joined in 2003 from Ipswich. "Thomas I'm going to keep this very quick, there are too many defenders for me to choose from, to suit you all we would have a 6 man defence but that's not going to happen. Its tough and people including you will have to fight for their place"

Darren Moore Big Dave and he is Big Dave towers in the office, a Jamaican International who has been loyal to the albion. "Look Dave I know who were injured most of last year so you really need to get some match practice, the friendlies will show how far you;ve progressed, the fans love you so that's your incentive" "Yeah boss, I know its going to be hard for me and I appreciate that I may spend some time with the reserves but I'm going to give performances that make you pick me" "I hope so" I reply and shake his hand, a player who knows what he wants and knows he has to prove himself.

Steve Watson I didn't know alot about Steve all I know from the file is that he was a signing from Everton, the fans thought he was an excellent signing and can't wait for his debut. Morning Steve, I can't comment on team selection as i aint seen you play much so all I can say is prove your value, its going to be hard as you come thinking you were playing for Bryan, well you aint you've got me now, and things are going to be different. Make me aware of why Bryan signed you"

Steve nods and looks to have understood everything, Nigel looks "you were a bit hard on him there weren't you". "Look Nigel, he probably thought he could waltze into the team following his move but that may have been the case with Bryan but not me, he has to prove himself like everybody else."

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We pause for a coffee "Nigel, how you think its going, you think that players appreciate this little meeting?" "Well you don't have them in here long, but you are straight to the point and its better that you tell them straight from the start, those on the fringes of the first team might think about pulling their socks up more and give you something to think about." "Exactly the idea, everybody starts with a clean slate, do me a favour go and get Joy for a second I want her to do something".

Joy comes scurring into the office "Yes Lee, you look shattered, its hard work aint it." "Joy phone Jason Koumas his mobile number is here, and put him through." Nigel looks at me "What you doing. what you want him for" "Nigel everybody is getting a fresh start and I know he didn't get on well with Bryan, I'm going to recall him, give him something to think about, if his loyal to the club he will come good if not then he goes, as simple as that"

Little Japanese International Innamoto knocks the door and waits for me to ask him to take a seat. A polite little bloke. "Well Ju, Juch, erm what can I call you" "Call me Inny boss" "Ok Inny, you haven't had many opportunities in the team having being loaned out last term, show me what you can do" "I love this club boss and the fan base in Japan is huge I want to deliver the goods and show you that Japanese men can play football" "Well I hope you can..." The phone goes and Joy tells me that Koumas is on the other end. "Hang on Joy Inny just's going" Inny jumps in and rushes out, hope he didn't hear Joy telling me who it was, that annoucment is later.

"Hi Jason, Lee Allen here, you heard about me?" "Yes I've heard what you want?" "Well considering you didn't get on with Bryan I thought about recalling you and giving you a fresh start, you interested or you want to stay at Cardiff." He didn't give me the chance to say any more. "I want to come back, I love the Hawthorns and the premiership, when?" "I will phone Cardiff later and let them know you are on your way back, and look Jason theres two more things I need to say, 1 you won't walk straight into the team, and 2 keep this to yourself the lads don't know yet." "Ok, Lee talk soon"

Darren Carter the new signing from Birmingham arrives. "Hi Darren thanks for coming, you looking forward to settling in, I know you were planning on working with Bryan, but this is football, and now you've got me, you have youth on your side so show me that your capable of achieving things with the Baggies, oh and when we play the Blues score a couple of goals to silence the fans" He laughs and appreciates the comments "I'll do my best Lee" Thats all I ask anything less than the best is just not acceptable.

Andy Johnson is next on "Hi Andy hows you and the missus" I have a soft spot for Andy who is a loyal player and has already spent 4 years at the Hawthorns. "We are fine, and Jess is she ok" "Yeah you will have to pop round with the kids be nice to meet up". This is going to be hard I am friendly with Andy and so is Jess and his wife and I've never managed a friend before. "I'm just seeing everybody today to talk about the new season and my plans, I can't really comment at the moment about the midfield situation but just wish you well, obviously things may be difficult and you may not be in the team straight away, but theres only room for 11 players on the pitch, I just wish you well." "Thanks Leo, I appreciate your in a difficult situation, but I support any decision you make, its tough at the top and their will be enough people trying to shoot you down than for me to join in, if I aint happy then you will know I will come and tell you, but its to me to get in the team and show you what I could do 2 years ago." "Thanks Andy I knew I could count on you" We shake hands, "Get Jess to phone Abby arrange something soon and celebrate your new job" "Deal" How I wish I could consider Andy for a regular start but its going to be difficult with so many good players around me made worse by my decision to recall Koumas.

Ronnie Wallwork enters and sits straight down, "I admire your style, your confidence Ronnie and I can see from your file that your determined and your references are good. All I can say at this moment in time, is like what I have said to the others who play in the middle of the park, show me what you can do, I need somebody who can play all over the shop and contribute to a good team performance, I think you can do it, but show me" Ronnie acknowledges it and appreicates me telling hin that I have confidence in him. "Good luck boss, lets show em" He's a bit of a nutter and a joker, when we get on the pitch I hope that he can take it seriously or we are in trouble.

Hungarian International Zoltan Gera is next he can play on the right or in the middle. "Hi Zoltan so glad you could make it, I've been looking at the team and think that you will be suited more for a position on the right rather than the middle, we may have to relook at the situation but thats my initital thoughts, what you think?" "Well, I don't care as long as I am in the team, I do as I am told and you are the boss" "Ok, lets try it and let me know how you think things are going"

"Nigel before we see anybody else ask them to give me 5 minutes need to have a rest, I haven't worked this hard for years, I'd have my feet up on the desk if I was still at Wilko's," Oh my god, I jus thought, the Wilko's bosses would be picking up the papers and my mugshot would be all over it, I'd better phone them"

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I pick up the phone, and start to dial John Bell, the area manager of Wilko's. "Hi John, its Lee Allen" "Well you kept that quiet, why didn't you tell me football management was really your cup of tea, don't tell me your going to resign from that position in the Wolverhampton store and get West Brom relegated" I laugh I know John is a secret Aston Villa fan. "Sorry to leave you in the mess John but as you can appreicate this things don't happen everyday and.." "No need to justify it Lee anybody would have jumped at the chance.....if it was another team" "Ha Ha, you won't be laughing when we stuff the Villa, keep in touch and I might get you some VIP tickets" "You'd better, oh and by the way, on a more serious note I need your resignation in writing" "Thanks John you have been really supportive, catch up soon for a drink and you can fill me in on my replacement"

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Nigel walks back in with Johnathan Greening Hi Johnathan, just a quick one, I like your style of play and you can play on either side of the midfield, there is one thing that I want from you and that is more goals. You have the experience and the skill thats obvious as you have played for Boro and Man Utd, lets see you set the Hawthorns on fire." "Thats a tough order Lee, but I will do my best as always, is that all you wanted? "Well no actually, do something with your hair, we have team photograph in 2 days and I want you looking smart get your hair cut, and thats an order"

Lloyd Dyer looks nervous and withdrawn when he walks in "Look Lloyd I know you are going to be worried, especially now a new bloke has taken over, but lets see what we can do for each other, you have only played a few games for the club, and I feel it maybe benefial for you to consider going out on loan to get more experience, your certainly down the pecking order so far, but you will be given the opportunity should you suceed" Lloyd looks a bit tearful "I love it here, and thought you might give me a chance" "Lloyd I wish I could, but I don't want to rush you straight into the team, each game is different and I will pick my strongest team, its up to you to prove to me you can handle it, if you can, your in, consider the loan move and hey chin up, your career is not over with the albion just because somebody knew has taken over"

Senegal International Diomansy Kamara awaits to be called into the room. "Hi Diomansy bet you can't wait to play on that lovely pitch", as we stare right across to the Halfords Lane end. "No boss, its 10 times better than a Modena and better than Portsmouth" Kamara had spent a loan period at Portsmouth before joining up with the Baggies. "Well its tough selection upfront but I know that you can produce the goods, prove to me you can be top scorer with us" "Easy" I like his confidence as he walks out the door.

I hope he can give me at least a dozen goals we needed a good goal scorer.

Richard Chaplow a shy young lad edges in, "Come on in mate, don't be shy, I don't bite, don't know about Nigel though, relax theres nothing to worry about, I know that you were limited in Bryan's team now you have to prove to me you should be in the team, to be in the team and push for more U21 honours, I expect you to fight for a place" "Ok boss" I was a bit alarmed at how withdrawn Chaplow was and hoped I could get him out of his shell quickly.

Kanu enters a star player who stands out from the majority of the rest of the team following his free signing capture from the mighty Gunners. "Well mate all I can say is its tough now with you, Kamara, Ellington and Earnshaw, I want goals and I mean goals more than the 2 you got last season, I want at least 10, prove to me why the fans love you, thats it, now you can go."

Nigel again questions my attitude "Just because he is the top player, or so he thinks doesn't mean you have to pussy foot around him, you know, he is easily replaced"

Earnshaw comes in "Hi Boss" he has such a strong Welsh accent which is so different from mine, "HI matey, I want you to use your pace and repeat or beat last year's goal tally of 11, we have a few good strikers and you are going to have to produce some goals to keep you place in the top 11, understood?" "Yeah boss, I need to be in the team to kep my Welsh spot, so I'll deliver"

Nathan Ellington has to be called in he's late and I hate lateness. "Look Nathan, I want you to put that ball in the back of net more than the 24 times you did for Wigan, if you can do it for them, then there is no reason why you can't do it for us, I will be disapointed if you don't. I consider you to be one of the top strikers at this club and if you hit top form the others will as well,everybody will be fighting for a place and they could be after yours, so take my advice" "Wow thats some objective you've given me, but this is the premiership" "Yeah and we've paid Wigan 3 million, you scared or something, now go and get some shooting practice"

The last player to be seen was the Horse Geoff Horsfield. Geoff had fallen down the pecking order but had still played nearly 30 games last year with 3 goals, he was on the transfer marker and waiting to leave. "Look Geoff, I know you are finding it tough here at the moment, but you still have a career at the Albion, but if an offer comes in then we will consider it, its got to be right for both of us, you and the club. I want you to play football as you give endless effort, and want to achieve something, and you won't want to spend your time with the reserves, so lets see what the future holds. "Thanks Lee, I appreciate your comments and hopefully will be able to deliver something in the friendlies to get me straight into the team and maybe for you to consider taking me off the list if I have a future here?" "We'll see but I aint promising anything""

God that was hard, the players know where they stand and Nigel is aware of what I want them from them all, I assign Nigel to set the training plan, as I need to get ready to deliver a talk to the team as a whole.

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Its 1500 hours and I walk into the conference suit and all the players and coaching staff etc are in the room waiting, I ask Joy to come with me, she is as much of the team as anybody and she is going to have to keep me organised to make sure things happen.

The players start to clap as I walk in and it brings a tear to my eye I have never been given a reception like that before. I stand at the front of the room and look around, their eyes focused on me and nobody else. They wait with anticipation in what I am going to say.

"Afternoon everybody, Nice to see you all as a team, as you are aware I have met with you all individually to talk about the forthcoming season, and I thought it would be a good idea if we got together as a team, discuss any issues that you may have had under the previous management, things that you aren't happy with and any suggestions how we can be a successful club, but first my turn."

"As some of you are aware I am a Baggies fan, I like yourselves want whats best for this club, if you suceed I suceed if I fail you fail. I do not want this club to have to fight another relegation battle, although you survived last year, I don't know whether my nerves would hold out. Bryan has left me with you lot and I want you lot to help make my job easier, realistically we have the target of a mid table finish, it will take time to match the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal but we can be the top club in the Midlands, we can finish above Villa and Birmingham. The new teams who have got promoted this year will find it difficult and as always they like us are favourites for relegation. But we are better than them, we have excellent facilities, staff and potential. We have money to spend but I want to spend it wisely and not jump into the transfer market for the sake of it, we may need players to help out, youngsters to gel and aid our growth and bring the youth team to one of the best in the country. Thats what I want to happen to this club, and hope that you will back me, right anybody got any questions?"

The room is silent, they look around at everybody who is going to ask the first question. Greening shouts out so whats your tactics going to be? I reply "Like any manager each game is different I prefer the 4-4-2 but am happy to discuss it with Nigel if he feels that this needs amending" The questions start to flow the barriers have been broken and its free for all.

"Who's going to be captain"
"Is the training going to change"
"Bryan did ......"
"We never did that before"

It was a good 45 minute meeting and nearly everybody had a say. I felt that it was a good team building exercise and everybody was given the opportunity of asking a question from the beginning. They know I want to suceed and have the club close to heart.

Lets hope we can pull it off.

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Monday soon comes round and we start our Friendly fixtures. First up a trip to Morecambe. A conference side who I predicted would finish about mid table. This is was my first taste of football management and I could not lose to a team 4 divisions lower, that would be the worse start anybody could have hoped for. I decide to pick the strongest team available and went for:-

Kirkland, Watson (Captain), Robison, Clement, Davies, Gera, Greening, Chaplow, Carter, Ellington and Kamara. Subs Hoult, albrechsten, Campbell, Moore, Dyer, Kanu, Scimeca, Johnson, Earnshaw, Gaardsoe and Inamoto.

The local Express and Star wrote the following article First hundle successfully passed. Manager Lee Allen started his Albion management with a win over Conference National Side Morecambe, although posession was fairly even it was the strike force of Nathan Ellington that proved to be the difference in the two teams. A crowd of 6281 witnessed the £3 million signing score 2 glorious goals on a way to a convinving 3-0 win with Gera finishing the scoring. Allen made 5 substitutes at half time in a bid to get to know his players quickly and ready for the start of a tough premiership campaign. New signings Kamara and Carter played a part in the match and it was pleasing to see that the Albion side look a team with some pace in it.

Final score Morecambe 0 Baggies 3
Man of the Match Gera

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Tuesday 12th July 2005

Cardiff manager Dave Jones phones up "Hey, what you think your playing at? You should have spoken to me first about having Koumas back, we are now short in that position."

"Look Mr Jones, I need to look at all my lads and give them an equal chance we both know Bryan and Jason didn't see eye to eye, I hope Jason has learnt alot from you, but I need him at this club in order to view what he is like, how can I personally view him when he is playing in Wales, look if it doesn't work out for him here, I'll let you know, but we are paying all his wages and he's playing for you, doesn't seem fair to me, when he ain't doing wrong to me why ship him miles away"

"Fair point, just wished you would have had the decency to let me know what was going on instead me overhearing it on the training field"

"Yeah I know but Jason should have had more decency and let me tell you face to face, sorry bout that"

"Its ok, we knew we wouldn't hold onto him long to be honest especially with a new manager being appointed. Was quite surprised when I heard you had been appointed especially as your not known in these quarters."

"Well, to be honest I am unheard of and nobody has got any clues about the style of play etc I am going to play,"

"Well I wish you every success and see you on the circuit"

Wow I had got my first coup Jason Koumas returns to the Baggies I'm not going to tell the players I want to see their faces when he walks into the building tomorrow.

My next plan is to try and bring some youth into the team or some long term loan signings, I knew that Bryan was keen to bring Kieran Richardson back to the Hawthorns but had been unsuccessful, I thought why not give it a go, they might listen to a new manager. Richardson had since earned himself 2 caps for England so it was going to be another coup if we could pull this one off. "Joy can you phone Old Trafford and get Sir Alex on the phone"

"Hi, its Lee Allen, Baggies manager just wondering if your interested in letting us have Kieran Richardson for a few months" Theres a huge pause "Well you lot down there don't give up do you, I'll consider the idea talk to him and phone you back, there just warming up so I'll call him in, give me an hour or two and I'll phone you back, oh by the way good luck,"

Sir Alex was a gentleman remaining calm and not annoyed at my cheek for making a 3rd Baggies bid to bring one of the heros back for another stink.

"Sir Alex Ferguson is on the phone Lee" I let it ring a couple of times, fingers crossed.

"Well matey, your luck must be in, following discussions with Kieran we both felt it was in his interest to play regular Premiership football, as we cannot guarantee it here, it would be ideal for him to come back to you guys, he knows the area, the players know him and I'm sure he'll be an asset. He appreciates that he needs first team games and that is the major reason why he jumped at the chance, he'll be joining you soon, oh by the way we have another player you might be interested in a German kid 18/19 ish midfielder going for a bargain, he's starting to get itchy feet and looking for a new club, interested."

"Fax me his details I'll run it past the board if hes worth persuing they've got to release the funds, I'll contact you with an answer"

Joy brings in the fax from Old Trafford. Markus Neumayr Midfielder been at Old Trafford for 2 years with no first team experience. I look and consider and thought how much we lacked youth I phone the Chairman. "Hi Jeromy, Lee here, great news Richardson returns to the club tomorrow for 6 months, and Ferguson has offered us another player a young lad for a knock down price, what do you reckon." "Lee, do you think he's worth it, remember you have a budget to stick to, and don't throw money away at the first opportunity" "Yeah I know, but we need to build for the future and this lad is only 19 with bags of potential" "Well go for it, lets take a look"

I phone Sir Alex we'll table a bid of £375,000 for him, that sounds reasonable considering he aint got much first team experience and that will make you have a nice profit considering you paid £50,000 for him. "You won't be dissappointed Lee who is enthuastic and with bags of potential. He'll get on with Richardson as well."

3 deals done today the team is starting to take shape and we now have depth.

I better prepare for Thursday's game against Scarborough.