Di Matteo pleased with new look squad

Last updated : 26 August 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Roberto Di Matteo is pleased with the redevelopment of his Albion squad after adding a number of new faces this summer. 

Youssouf Mulumbu and Simon Cox signed before Di Matteo’s arrival with the former MK Dons boss also bringing Reuben Reid, Jerome Thomas, Joe Mattock, Gonzalo Jara and Shaun Cummings on a month’s loan to The Hawthorns.

Although the head coach would still like to bring another experienced defender to the club, Di Matteo claims he is now happy with this squad after strengthening a number of positions.  The improvements seem to have worked with Albion currently unbeaten in all competitions and sitting joint top of the league.

“Our team is quite competitive," said Di Matteo.

"We probably need to get a few players out before we can maybe move to get one more in.

"That's how it is at the moment.

"The new players still have to come into the team.

"Jerome Thomas, Reuben Reid, Simon Cox and Jara haven't featured much in our team and we are already competitive.

"James Morrison hasn't been in the team yet and we've also got Ishmael Miller.

"I think at the moment we're not bad considering all these players haven't featured or haven't featured much.

"I feel every time a player has come into the team they have done well, not only in the cup, but also in the league.

"And it is very important that when they are called into the team to perform, they do so."

The Baggies are reportedly in talks with in discussions with French club Auxerre over Romania international defender Gabriel Tamas.