West Bromwich Albion Football Club News

• Nickname:The Baggies
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:The Hawthorns
• Capacity:25,400

Peace hits out at Bougherra

04 Aug 2008 - 15:01:01

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West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace has hit back at Algeria international Madjid Bougherra who opted to sign for Rangers rather than the Baggies.

The former Charlton Athletic defender claimed he was unable to sign for Albion last Wednesday as the chairman was not at the training ground, but Peace has moved to set the record straight.

He told Albion's official website: "It's a nonsense for anyone to suggest a transfer cannot be processed simply because I'm not in attendance.

"I was away from the office for a few hours on Wednesday afternoon but I was available by phone and there were two directors present who could have completed the deal if it had been possible to do so.

"Terms had been agreed with the player but we were still not in a position to complete the deal at that time.

"We were waiting for Charlton to return a signed transfer agreement between the two clubs and were still awaiting the results of the player's medical, which we knew would not arrive until Thursday morning.

"It was agreed by all parties that the player and his representatives would return the following afternoon to complete the transfer in the event of a positive verdict from the medical and the player also resolving his contractual issues with Charlton on Thursday morning.

"However, the player and his representatives did not return the following day and we were later informed that he had decided to join Rangers, with whom he had also been in discussions."