NO MOORE UNITY AS PLAYERS ROCK BOAT

EVEN before the season has started, Darren Moore’s honeymoon is over. Less than two months ago, he was the man to turn West Bromwich around. Everyone said so, not least goalkeeper Ben Foster. ‘Darren has brought a lot more unity back to the team,’ he said. ‘Mooro has been around the place for a long time, he knows what works and it’s a very simple recipe really. He’s steeped inn the West Brom tradition. I would like him to get the job. He’s been absolutely top class and all the players would say the same. He’s just a real good guy and you want to work for him and do the best you can for him.’ That was on April 29. Yet this week it was revealed West Brom would be fining Foster and defender Craig Dawson for refusing to join a six-day training camp in Portugal. The squad left on Tuesday, without either player. Their frustration stems from the club’s decision to robustly defend raids on the squad, as they target a Premier League return at the first attempt. West Ham’s bid of £12million for Dawson has been turned down, as has Burnley’s offer for Foster and Jay Rodriguez, and a straight £1m bid for Foster (below) from Watford. So much for unity. What is the benefit of avoiding a training camp if negotiations are ongoing? Why would West Ham, Burnley or Watford wish to sign a player who is shunning summer conditioning work? As for Foster, it would appear he would rather play second fiddle to Nick Pope at Burnley or Watford’s Heurelho Gomes than ‘do his best’ for ‘good guy’ Moore. This must be the West Brom tradition that will serve the manager so well. We can see where it’s got them so far.