Portsmouth 2 West Bromwich Albion 2: Christopher Lepkowski's big match verdict

Apr 13 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

I SUSPECT we witnessed Stage One of Tony Mowbray’s Albion ‘revamp’ at Fratton Park on Saturday.

His squad selection wasn’t just a list of 18 players – it was a statement of intent.

Heads will clearly roll. Perhaps they already are.

The starting XI wasn’t really a major surprise. The talking point was more about those who made the bench and, more significantly, those who did not.

Graham Dorrans was recalled to the starting line-up. Deservedly so.

But what of the bench? Youssouf Mulumbu, Juan Carlos Menseguez and a rookie striker New Zealander called Chris Wood, barely 17, all included – the latter having his shirt number and name printed by Portsmouth’s backroom staff.

The absentees were more telling and you can’t help wondering whether it gave a clue as to Mowbray’s plans for next season.

Filipe Teixeira and Do-heon Kim travelled but were sat in the stand without making the final 18.

Jay Simpson, dismissive of Albion’s plans to bring him back next season, was an unused sub.

Luke Moore? He didn’t even get to board the coach – and, yes, he was fit.

What of Marek Cech? I suspect he got the same treatment, although he’s barely on the radar these days.

Borja Valero ended the game as he started it – sat on the bench.