Peace makes Bougherra counter-claim

Jeremy Peace has declared he was not to blame for Algerian defender Madjid Bougherra's move to Rangers after agreeing personal terms at The Hawthorns. The former Charlton defender claimed a deal with Albion collapsed due to Peace being away from the training ground on Wednesday. However Peace has now claimed Bougherra's comments as 'nonsense' on the basis his presence was not needed.

"It is a nonsense for anyone to suggest a transfer cannot be processed simply because I am not in attendance," the Albion chairman said

"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," Peace continued.

"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."