'Big Bad John' finally gets the boot

Rolly-polly striker John Hartson has finally been released by the club. The sturdy forward has not featured for Albion this campaign and had been sent to Norwich on loan for a month in October.

Hartson joined Albion from Scottish giants Celtic in June 2006 on a two-year contract and made a dream start scoring twice against Hull City on his debut at The Hawthorns. However the former Welsh international saw first-team opportunities limited as Bryan Robson exited the club and the form of Kevin Phillips and Diomansy Kamara saw Hartson out of favour as his fitness spiralled out of control.

Hartson will go down as one of Albion's biggest 'flops' after signing a highly paid contract and making just 24 appearances, eight as a substitute, scoring six times. Still at least he managed to score against the Wolves!