West Bromwich Albion boss shocked at defender's threat

Nov 27 2008 by Chris Lepkowski

TONY Mowbray today admitted he was surprised by Carl Hoefkens' threat to leave The Hawthorns if he failed to win back his Albion first-team place.

The right-back has started just twice game for Albion this season having lost his place to summer signing Gianni Zuiverloon.

The 30-year-old Belgian, a virtual ever-present in last season’s title triumph, conceded last week that he may need to look elsewhere for first team football and has today been linked with a move to Ipswich Town.

But the Albion boss admitted that he had not spoken to Hoefkens about his future.

"I haven’t seen the quotes and Carl should come and see me about issues like that," said Mowbray.

"I understand that footballers want to play and if they are his thoughts, so be it.

"The bottom line with any players who are unhappy or not playing in the team on a regular basis is that the phone has to ring about them.

"We are not advertising them so it’s about their talent.

"Carl played in the reserves and there are always lots of people watching when the reserves are playing.

"All players who are not in the side or want to play more regularly