|
August 2011
Player of the Month - Craig Noone (52.79% of the
vote) |
 |
Craig Noone followed on with his fine form in
the friendly matches by playing like a man
possessed in the opening month. Nooney found
himself on the bench for the opening two games
thanks to the increased competition offered by
the arrival of Will Buckley and the return of
Kazenga LuaLua, but he still managed two assists
after coming on against Doncaster and a
man-of-the-match performance after replacing the
injured Buckley in the first half at Portsmouth.
From there he hasn't looked back and he opened
his account for the season with a screamer
against Peterborough
Played 6 (4 starts, 2
sub). Scored 1. |
 |
Second: Lewis Dunk (15.24% of the vote)
With no new signing at centre back and Adam El
Abd and Tommy Elphick out, teenager Lewis Dunk
was thrown into the deep end at the start of the
season. He has been superb at the back to the point where Gus Poyet has
already championed him for an England under-21
call up |
 |
Third: Craig Mackail-Smith (13.75% of the vote)
The Albion's record signing has already begun
repaying his fee with three goals in six games
including the winners at Portsmouth and in the
Carling Cup shock at home to Sunderland. Equally
impressive has been his work rate which has
already made him a firm fan favourite at The
Amex. |
|
The
contenders: |
 |
Casper Ankergren -
Conceded just four goals so far this season with
clean sheets coming in what looked like
difficult games against good attacks away at
Portsmouth and Cardiff and at home to
Peterborough. |
 |
Ashley Barnes -
Despite the arrival of Craig Mackail-Smith and
Will Hoskins to boost Gus' striking options, he
has remained in the side and more important
scoring goals including a much needed successful
penalty against Gillingham. |
 |
Liam Bridcutt -
Remains composed and assured in front of the
back four, winning the ball back and
distributing it intelligently. Has to rank as
Gus Poyet's best signing and maybe one of the
greatest free transfers in club history. |
 |
Will Buckley -
Hobbled off at Portsmouth but his month and
probably his Albion career will always be
defined by THAT debut - two goals from the
substitutes bench including a 96th minute winner
in the first ever game at The Amex. You can't
write stuff like that. |
 |
Gordon Greer -
Only four goals conceded since the start of the
season and that is largely down to the form of
the captain and young Lewis Dunk. Continues to
be one of the most consistent players in the
side. |
 |
Lewis Dunk
- Thrown in at the deep end with Adam El-Abd and
Tommy Elphick out, the youngster has risen to
the challenge being superb defensively and
showing that he is probably the most comfortable
defender on the ball at the club. |
 |
Will Hoskins
- A frustrating start to his Albion career with
injuries taking their toll but showed everybody what
he is about with an absolutely first class goal away
at much fancied Cardiff in that shock win. |
 |
Kazenga LuaLua
- Got the nod to start the opening game after
finally joining the Albion on a permanent deal. His
afternoon wasn't helped by a booking for diving but
will cause defences all manner of problems if his
performance before that is anything to go by. |
 |
Craig Mackail-Smith
- The record signing has started his Albion career
with a bang, scoring goals away at Portsmouth, home
to Sunderland and a brace at home to Blackpool. His
workrate off the ball is also something else. |
 |
Craig Noone
- Will Buckley may have got the goals against
Doncaster but it was Noone's introduction that
really changed the game. Terrifying Championship
full backs already and finally get a number of
deserved starts. |
