Tsana Associates: Sport

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:55:33 GMT

Teixeira's Premier ambition. New boy Felipe Teixeira today set his sights on playing Premiership football with Albion after becoming boss Mowbray's third summer signing. [West Brom: Express & Star]

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 12:30:11 GMT

Carter: Time to kick on. Darren Carter today urged Albion to embrace the future without Jason Koumas and Diomansy Kamara by insisting: "There's life without them." [West Brom: Express & Star]

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:50:49 GMT

Baggies set to swoop for Safri - The Pink 'Un.

Baggies set to swoop for Safri
The Pink 'Un, UK - Jul 11, 2007
The Baggies' chief revealed yesterday the cash-rich club is closing in on potential targets after pocketing Â£11.3m from the double departure of ...

[baggies - Google News]

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:03:11 GMT

Medical problems bar McShane's Sunderland move - eleven-a-side.com.

Medical problems bar McShane's Sunderland move
eleven-a-side.com, Ireland - 1 hour ago
Black Cats boss Roy Keane was reported to have agreed a £5m fee with West Brom for McShane and fellow Baggies defender Paul Robinson. But allegedly a hip problem for McShane and knee problems for Robinson appear to have scuppered the deal....

[baggies - Google News]

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:33:32 GMT

League reject Tevez contract request. Sport: Carlos Tevez's transfer to Man Utd is looks likely to go to court after the Premier League refused a request to nullify his West Ham contract. By Paul Kelso. [Guardian Unlimited]

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:31:52 GMT

Histon 1 Albion 1 - West Bromwich Football (subscription).

Histon 1 Albion 1
West Bromwich Football (subscription), UK - 10 hours ago
JOHN Hartson's third-minute opener was enough to earn the Baggies a 1-1 draw in their pre-season opener at Histon. Tony Mowbray fielded two different XI's ...

[baggies - Google News]

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:08:46 GMT

Koumas seals Wigan switch - ic Solihull.co.uk.

Koumas seals Wigan switch
ic Solihull.co.uk, UK - 24 minutes ago
Koumas has since made 141 appearances for the Baggies, scoring 23 goals, while he netted a further 13 during a season-long loan with Cardiff in 2005-06. ...

[baggies - Google News]

Tue, 29 May 2007 09:45:07 GMT

Derby 1 Albion 0 - full time.

Albion’s dreams of a place in the Premiership were destroyed as Derby County won the Championship Play-Off Final 1-0 at Wembley.

The decisive moment came in the 61st minute when Stephen Pearson converted Giles Barnes’ cross.

The result was perhaps harsh on the Baggies who dominated for large portions of the match but couldn’t get in a killer blow against a well-drilled Rams defence.

Tony Mowbray’s men had the better of the first-half chances and should have gone in 1-0 up but Kevin Phillips missed a golden opportunity with two minutes to go.

The Baggies started the brightest after kicking off and getting the ball into the danger area immediately.

As early as the first minute Diomansy Kamara forced a full-length save from Bywater in the Derby goal.

Albion looked stronger early on with the midfield quickly closing down their Derby counterparts to give the travelling Baggies faithful plenty to cheer about.

The Rams gradually found their feet with Tyrone Mears, in particular, causing problems down Albion’s left.

In the 10th minute a gap opened up in the Albion defence and Peschisolido’s shot was well saved by Dean Kiely in the Albion goal.

In the 13th minute Jason Koumas had appeals for a penalty turned down after being dispossed following a mazy run from halfway.

As the game settled down both sides become more cagey with possession and territory starting to even out.

Derby came more into the game and Mears was unlucky with a shot in the 20th minute after a mazy run.

It wasn’t until the 21st minute that Albion earned their first corner. From the short-corner they won a free kick but Jason Koumas’ whipped-in cross was put out by Phillips.

In the 27th minute Kamara hit a ferocious cross from the left but Gera’s volley was blocked.

As the half went on Albion asserted themselves and it was Bywater in the Derby goal who was the busier of the two keepers.

But Derby were certainly not out of it and showed good patience in their build-up work without really threatening Kiely’s goal.

Sam Sodje was booked for a reckless challenge after a poor first touch in the 36th minute.

He was quickly followed into the book by McShane for a late tackle on Derby striker Howard.

Aftre a good period of Baggies pressure, Jason Koumas fired over from the left with five minutes of the half to go.

A minute later it was Koumas who again got to the byline but his cross was punched away by Bywater and Gera was unable to get a decent contact on the rebound.

The best chance of the half then fell to Phillips who should have made it 1-0 but his shot, following excellent build-up play, grazed the crossbar allowing the Rams to go in with the scores even.

The Baggies started the second half the brighter of the two sides with Koumas again looking dangerous as Albion looked to bring the Welshman more into the game.

But it was Derby who won the first corner of the half but their effort came to nothing.

Matt Oakley was narrowly wide with an effort for the Rams in the 52nd minute.

But that was a rare Derby attack as Albion gradually upped the tempo and took control of the game.

Derby made the first change when Giles Barnes came on for Peschisolido in the 59th minute.

And he made an instant impact when, following good work down the right, his cross found Pearson who beat a helpless Kiely to put the Rams 1-0 up.

Perry was booked after scything down Barnes on the touchline and there was a nervous moment for Bywater in the 67th minute when he needed two attempts to hold Gera’s shot.

Sodje was unlucky to escape with a red card five minutes later for another reckless challenge but referee Graham Poll elected just to give a free-kick.

The Baggies then made two changes with Nathan Ellington and Darren Carter replacing Zoltan Gera and Paul McShane.

Carter was instantly involved but his cross fell to no-one.

The Baggies were now throwing everything at Derby but couldn’t find a way past Darren Moore and his colleagues in the Derby defence.

Phillips and Ellington both went close to scoring but were unable to get the better of Bywater.

With less than 10 minutes to go Albion went for all-out attack, leaving three strikers high up the pitch as they searched for a valuable equaliser.

But it was all to no avail as Derby held firm to secure their place in the Premiership next season.

Baggies boss Tony Mowbray kept faith with the same starting XI that beat Wolves for today’s Championship Play-Off Final against Derby at Wembley.

It meant a fourth play-off final start for Phillips.

For Derby, manager Billy Davies made one change bringing in Paul Peschisolido for John Macken upfront.

It is just 36-year-old Peschisolido’s fifth start of the season.

Albion: Kiely, McShane, Sodje, Perry, Robinson; Koren, Greening, Gera, Koumas; Kamara, Phillips.

Subs: Daniels, Clement, Ellington, Chaplow, Carter.

Derby: Bywater, Mears, Leacock, Moore, McEveley, Fagan, Oakley, Seth Johnson, Pearson, Howard, Peschisolido.

Subs: Camp, Edworthy, Jones, Macken, Barnes.
[West Brom: Express & Star]

Wed, 23 May 2007 09:56:43 GMT
Mowbray ponders final Baggies - Team talk.

Team talk Mowbray ponders final Baggies
Team talk, UK - 19 hours ago
The Baggies boss, who apart from Curtis Davies has a full squad to choose from, claimed performances in training this week will have a major bearing on who ...
DANIELS NETS NEW DEAL Sportinglife.com
Mowbray hunting new names Team talk
all 4 news articles
[baggies - Google News]

Picture bills initiative paves way for healthy sales boost at Mail

Fri, 18 May 2007 07:26:36 GMT
The power of picture bills hit the streets of Birmingham to catch the eyes of celebrating 'Baggies' fans following Wednesday night's play-off victory against Wolves. A football bonanza in terms of newspaper sales looks set to continue for the Birmingham Mail following last night's victory by West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies are very much a Birmingham club, with their ground on the border of Birmingham and West Bromwich, and with the Mail's biggest district office in the centre of the neighbouring town.

Anderson departure claims refuted by St Helens

Tue, 15 May 2007 08:45:14 GMT
St Helens yesterday said that Daniel Anderson, the Super League coach of the year, would remain with them next season. Reports in Australia state that Anderson, the former New Zealand Warriors and Kiwi Test coach, will take over from Chris Anderson at NRL bottom club Sydney Roosters next year. Wayne Bennett, the Brisbane Broncos and former Australian national team coach, is tipped to succeed Anderson at St Helens.

Wed, 09 May 2007 11:07:56 GMT
Saints star Hooper is forced to quit game - ic Liverpool.

BBC Sport Saints star Hooper is forced to quit game
ic Liverpool, UK - 2 hours ago
ST HELENS stand-off or loose forward Jason Hooper yesterday announced his retirement at the age of 29 due to injury. The versatile Australian has struggled ...
Saints' Hooper forced to retire BBC Sport
Super Hooper to retire League Unlimited
Rugby League News Hooper forced to retire Sportbox
all 8 news articles
[st helens - Google News]

Deloitte values Premiership promotion at £60m

Fri, 04 May 2007 09:39:10 GMT
The final team to gain promotion from the Championship League to the FA Premier League stand to earn £60m from TV deals, according to calculations by Deloitte. The Deloitte estimate reflected the increased value of the new three-year TV rights deals secured by the Premiership from domestic and overseas broadcasters. What this means is the teams contesting Championship play-off final are battling for the richest prize in the world for a single football match, and more than double the revenue the promoted clubs will have received from playing in the Championship.

Tue, 01 May 2007 16:02:27 GMT
Bomber - Bring on the action - Express & Star.

Express & Star Bomber - Bring on the action
Express & Star, UK - 17 minutes ago
And Brown does concede he is a little concerned about the Baggies and their wild form. Albion produced one of their poorest displays of late at Coventry on ...
[baggies - Google News]

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 08:21:41 GMT
Sky Blues to host Baggies in last home game of the season - Coventry Observer.
Sky Blues to host Baggies in last home game of the season
Coventry Observer, UK - 17 hours ago
The Baggies, in the middle of a promotion push, have requested 9000 tickets for the Midlands derby tie but Fletcher is hoping City fans will give him an ...
McNamee could figure against the Baggies Coventry Observer
Must-win match for City ic Coventry
Fletcher's call to arms ic Coventry
Vitalfootball
all 5 news articles
[baggies - Google News]

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:25:28 GMT
Gang beats up rugby star Ade - NW Evening Mail.

BBC Sport Gang beats up rugby star Ade
NW Evening Mail, UK - 12 hours ago
He left Raiders for St Helens in 2001 in a deal worth Â£80000 over four years. A winger, he has scored 80 tries in 145 appearances for Saints and has also ...
Gardner: man arrested NW Evening Mail
Gardner misses game after beating Derby Evening Telegraph
Gardener recovers after 'attack' BBC Sport
NW Evening Mail
all 13 news articles
[st helens - Google News]

Burnley 3 West Bromwich 2: Mowbray fumes as 10-man Albion lose again

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 06:21:55 GMT
West Bromwich Albion squandered a two-goal lead that could yet cost them a place in the Championship play-offs after Burnley came from behind to beat them at Turf Moor last night. Early strikes from Jason Koumas and Nathan Ellington should have ensured only a third win in 10 games - and with it a four-point cushion over seventh-placed Southampton. But West Brom had to play with 10 men for the second half after Paul McShane was sent off for a headbutt on James O'Connor, but replays proved it was an honest challenge for the ball.

Baggies In Team Of the Year

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 06:21:01 GMT
West Bromwich Albion trio Curtis Davies, Jason Koumas and Diomansy Kamara have all been named in the Championship team of the year for the 2006/07 season.

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:36:32 GMT
Mowbray: There are problems. Albion boss Tony Mowbray admits he still has dressing room battles to win as his team's faltering promotion push reaches crunch point this weekend. The Baggies must spend the next 48 hours waiting to see how their rivals fare before setting off for Monday night's clash at Burnley. Having lost sight of automatic promotion, Albion are now [...] [West Brom: Express & Star]

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:35:55 GMT
Chaplow set for recall. Richard Chaplow is ready for a return to Albion's starting line-up on Monday - and a fresh chance to win over the boo-boys. Chaplow, axed for the last two matches against Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday, is the player expected to gain most from Darren Carter's suspension. The 22-year-old is primed for a timely return at his first [...] [West Brom: Express & Star]

Scouting report: Paul McShane, West Bromwich Albion

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 06:15:13 GMT
Consistent, committed, even predictable - just some of the words you wouldn't associate with many players at West Bromwich Albion. But Paul McShane goes against the grain somewhat after his summer transfer from Manchester United. Steve Claridge Tuesday April 17, 2007 The Guardian

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:14:38 GMT
South Bank could be lost again - Express & Star.

Express & Star South Bank could be lost again
Express & Star, UK - 1 hour ago
... fans that end of the ground, a decision which triggered a furious response from home supporters forced to make way for more than 5000 invading Baggies. ...
[baggies - Google News]

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:10:53 GMT
BAGGIES BID GOING FOR A REAL BURTON - Mirror.co.uk.
BAGGIES BID GOING FOR A REAL BURTON
Mirror.co.uk, UK - Apr 13, 2007
DEON BURTON ended West Brom's faint hopes of an automatic return to the Premiership on another awful night in the Hawthorns house of pain. ...
[baggies - Google News]

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:45:07 GMT
Quick Changeover for American Airlines Center Juggling act sets up rink

Even though I'm still a pretty die hard Red Wings fan, I live in Stars country now. Don't ask me what I'll do if the Wings and Stars meet in the second round. I went to the Stars/Canucks game last night, which started at 8:30 PM central. I was surprised when, while putzing around the house Sunday, I saw the Spurs/Mavericks game on TV and realized it was also being played at the American Airlines Center. That left them only about 3.5 hours between the end of the NBA game and the start of the NHL game. Somebody had to hustle!

They showed a stop-action video of them taking down the basketball court and taking the cover pieces off of the hockey floor (I wish that video was online). This link shows a timeline for the conversion from hockey to basketball.

The article I linked to above had some details, including:
When the teams cleared the court, Waugh and a group of 60 went to work at precisely 5 p.m., peeling away 4x8 pieces of hardwood, taking down goalposts and removing spools of ABC TV cables in preparation for Game 3 of the Canucks-Stars playoff series.
"Normally our changeover is 40 people but we wanted more because it's a playoff game," Waugh said.
After the court was off, the ice deck was on with 15 minutes.
The crew finished at 6:28 p.m., making the total time of the job 1 hour 28 minutes -- in plenty of time for the 8:30 p.m. start.
"That's pretty good. Our fastest time last year was 1:55," Waugh said.
While we don't always want to "throw people at the problem," adding people CAN be an appropriate "quick changeover" strategy in any context. I'm not suggesting the Stars or the arena management are trying to be "Lean," but I'm trying to draw a parallel for the manufacturing world (or healthcare, for that matter).

60 people should be able to do the changeover work faster than 40, assuming you haven't reached the point where they are starting to get in each others' way. Taking the standard work for the floor/rink changeover (assuming there is so) and adding 50% more people should cut the time by dividing the work content into smaller pieces (assuming it can be divided evenly and can be done in parallel). There certainly would be a "bottleneck" or constraint step in the changeover process that would limit the changeover speed.

Other than adding people, what could you do to shorten the changeover time?
"External Setup" -- do as many prep activities BEFORE the end of the NBA game as possible. Are all tools and equipment ready to go? You want to externalize setup activities so you don't waste time looking for things (or moving things unnecessarily) while the changeover is actually taking place (time during the changeover is called "internal setup."

Identify the bottleneck step and speed it up, through some method

Practice, practice, practice: Move up the learning curve through repetition and continuous improvement of the process (like a NASCAR pit crew) -- after each changeover, have the team debrief and discuss what went well and what didn't (and what to improve). I guess that's really the "PDCA" cycle at work.
Any other suggestions?

Is 88 minutes a "world class" time? It met customer expectations for last night (although I'm sure the ice WAS horrible).

Here is an article about the Pepsi Center (Denver) process for changeover. They always play hockey first when they have a "double header" out of concern for the quality of the ice. I guess Denver is more of a hockey town and Dallas is more of a basketball town (ignoring football, since it's April).

They have some standard work methods for putting the cover over their ice:
As they bring out the pieces of the cover, it looks like the conversion crew is working on a giant jigsaw puzzle. The crew, however, has a cheat sheet of sorts. The rounded pieces that cover the outer perimeter of the ice are numbered and stored in order. Once those are laid down, the rest of the pieces of the cover are the same size.
This video isn't exactly the same process, it's for an arena in Peoria, IL.
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Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:43:04 GMT
Baggies sign up Sodje. Albion last night responded to the latest crisis in their promotion quest by sealing Sam Sodje’s services for the rest of the season, writes Martin Swain. The Reading defender, who limped out of the ill-fated 1-0 Hawthorns defeat to Sheffield Wednesday but is expected to be fit next weekend, was signed until May 29 to cover [...] [West Brom: Express & Star]