Club News

Boss hopes there's a way back for Peter

Clarke believes forward still has part to play for Albion

STEVE Clarke believes Peter Odemwingie still has a part to play for Albion and hopes there is a way back for the Nigeria international at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies boss was quizzed at length about the events leading up to the closure of the January transfer window at today’s pre-match media conference ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Tottenham (ko 1.30pm).

He was quick to stress he has always had a good relationship with the forward and hopes to find a way to reintegrate him back into the squad.

“When we decide that the time is right for Peter to come back into training, we will address that situation and he will be back in,” said Clarke.
 
“Peter wants to play football. He’s a professional footballer.

“Given the discussion I had with him this morning, I think he still has a part to play for West Bromwich Albion and I think he understands that.

“He’s under contract for the next 18 months and if he wants to play football, at this moment in time, his best chance of playing football is with West Bromwich Albion.

“The conversation Dan Ashworth, Richard Garlick and I had with him this morning was quite brief but he didn’t give us any indication the situation would escalate any further than it already has.

“To be honest, it has escalated far too far already.

“Let’s get this clear: Peter and I have always had a really good relationship. 

“Although this will test that relationship a little bit, hopefully going forward we will still have that good personal relationship.

“Hopefully, there is a way back for him here. 

“Everybody who is anybody has made mistakes in life. You just have to try and recover from those mistakes as best you can.

“Over the coming days and weeks, Peter can do many things. 

“Maybe he has to apologise. Maybe he has to get picked first and get back into the squad. 

“Maybe he has to show his team-mates he is willing to help them.

“And then, if he is selected for matches, he has to do well in the games.”