Miller and Danek join Baggies on deadline day
Last updated : 31 January 2008 By Wba-mad Editor
Ishmael Miller converted his season long loan into a permanent switch from Manchester City just hours before the transfer window closed shut. The 'Moston Menace' has been a big hit for the Baggies this season netting ten goals in the process and has signed a three-and-a-half year deal, plus an extra year in the club's favour. Albion have taken up their option of signing the powerful forward for £900,000 in a deal which could rise up to £1.4 million pounds.
"I'm delighted Ishmael is now our player," Albion boss Tony Mowbray said after clinching the signing.
"He pretty much came here as an unknown quantity at this level.
"I saw him play a few times for Manchester City reserves when he was played out on the left wing.
"But we saw his strength, size, power and pace and thought we could utilise it.
"He's grown in stature and confidence since joining us. He's done exceptionally well.
"Ishmael's now got to build on that.
"We've also got to try to nurture an emerging talent into a top player."
Tony Mowbray also welcomed Czech stopper Michal Danek to his to squad to add much needed competition in the goalkeeping area. Albion had long been linked to the Viktoria Plzen player who has signed until the end of the season on loan. Albion have included a clause in the deal to either extend the loan deal for a further six months or sign Danek permanently in the summer after the 24-year-old impressed after a trial earlier in the month.
"I've seen enough of Michal to know he can forge a career for himself here," Mowbray commented.
"He's from a goalkeeping hotbed, really.
"Countries like the Czech Republic and Poland seem to develop good goalkeepers. They have good role models.
"Chelsea's Petr Cech is one of the best in the world and hopefully Michal can strive to get to that level.
"Like every footballer, he is on a journey to see how good he can be.
"Hopefully, we can create the environment for him to flourish.
"All players need competition to keep them on their toes, striving for more and improving."
