Graham Dorrans hailed by former West Brom team-mate Jonathan Greening
Apr 22 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Post
Jonathan Greening is not easily impressed when it comes to matters in, or outside of, football.
The former West Bromwich Albion captain, now on loan at Fulham, has always had a habit of speaking his mind, often without much thought for the consequences.
Once asked about then Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren, the midfielder questioned the future England manager’s credentials.
“Just look at his signings,” joked Greening, not realising he was speaking on the record to several tabloid journalists. Monday’s story was written.
It was to be a shrewd judgement on Greening’s part.
And so when the Birmingham Post tried to catch up with ‘Jono’ this week we found our phone call being diverted to an answerphone.
Moments later came through the text message: “Sorry pal, I’m just watching Nanny McPhee... with the kids.”
The last bit was a relief. He gave the film a thumbs up. And there was more praise when our conversation turned to Albion’s current midfielder Graham Dorrans.
When Greening left Albion for Fulham on loan earlier this season, Dorrans was no more than just another young hopeful. Since then the Scotland international has blossomed. Greening, whose move to Craven Cottage becomes permanent this summer, is not surprised to see the 22-year-old’s progress.
Having seen a succession of Manchester United starlets emerge during his time at Old Trafford during the late 1990s, Greening knows a talented player when he sees one.
And he believes Dorrans will become the next record departure from the Hawthorns – although perhaps not for a while yet.
“Graham Dorrans is a great talent,” said Greening.
“I’m not surprised how well he’s done this season.
“Even when he first came and was playing in training games you could see he was going to be something special.
“I saw a lot of young players come through at Manchester United and I wouldn’t like to compare him to anyone but he’s certainly had a similar kind of impact that some of those lads had during the 1990s.
“He’s got a calm head, he’s two footed, quick and got great attributes to play anywhere across the middle.
“And people won’t like to hear this but I think he will be the next West Brom player to go for a record value – even if he stays for a few more years.
“He’s that good and there will be clubs looking at him carefully next year.
“He should have no problems settling into the Premier League – he showed last time he was there in the few games he played that he could cope.
“He’s going to have 18 months more experience when he’s back so he should be a huge asset to them.
“The best thing I could say about Dozza is that he’s such a level headed player. Nothing seems to faze him and I think he’s got the temperament to be a top, top player.”
Greening was the last Albion skipper to lead the club to promotion, just two years ago. He is not surprised to see his old club back in the Premier League, simply due to the quality of players and the impact made by Roberto Di Matteo.
But, equally, he feels that the Baggies have bucked what is becoming an increasingly common trend - that being the failure of relegated clubs to bounce back.
Greening knows all about this. He watched a team featuring Diomansy Kamara, Curtis Davies, Jason Koumas and Nathan Ellington lose the 2007 play-off final. Winning promotion from England’s second tier does not rely exclusively on the ability of individual footballers.
“People think the Championship is an easy League but it really isn’t,” added Greening. “It asks a lot of questions about your personality and character.
