Baggies in Koumas plea

Last updated : 31 May 2007 By Danny Deeming
Senior West Bromwich Albion players Kevin Phillips and Jonathan Greening have begged star man Jason Koumas to stay at the club. The Baggies missed out on promotion to the Premiership after a 1-0 play-off final defeat to Derby and Koumas - the stand-out player in the Championship this season - is widely expected to move back up to the top flight without West Brom. Veteran striker Phillips said: "We are not stupid and we know that Jason is a Premiership player who wants to play in the Premiership. But I'd love to see him here again next season because he's been quality for us. It would be great if he stayed."
Koumas has been linked with a move to Everton, Wigan, Fulham and Celtic but fellow midfielder Greening - who has played in the Premiership with West Brom, Middlesbrough and Manchester United - feels he would fire them up to the Premiership next season. "Jason is a quality player, especially running with the ball," Greening said of the 27-year-old former Tranmere player. "He's our playmaker. It's important for us to keep him but there will be a few teams from the Premiership looking at him. "Everyone enjoys working for Mowbray and sometimes you can go to a place, not enjoy it and regret the decision."