I would not be sat here typing away at my keyboard creating this blog! However, for Christmas I got Football Manager 2012 and have been playing constantly ever since, which as players of the game will know, has made me an expert in managing football teams and particularly making transfers.

And with the January Window open in around 2 hours time, I thought I'd draw up a list of positions that Albion need strengthening and then some of the possible options in those positions.

Left Back

It's common consensus amongst Albion fans that this position needs strengthening. Last season Nicky Shorey was very good for most of it, though he did have a period of average performances which resulted in him being dropped and this season has seen more of the same. However the problem this season is that there is no competition for Shorey. Billy Jones filled in at left back for 3 games, but is clearly more comfortable on the right hand side.

The Baggies need either a first choice option, or at least someone who can provide cover in that position, though the former is desirable. One potential option would be Liam Ridgwell, a player Albion were linked with in the summer. However, I am not sure he would prove to be that much of an improvement for the fee he would command. A no cost option would be Ryan Bertrand on loan from Chelsea, another player linked with West Brom in the summer. He would certainly add pace to the team. However this would depend on whether Albion manage to bring in Nedum Onuoha, as he would take up the one remaining domestic loan deal available.

Right Midfield:

With Chris Brunt's move to the left hand side, and Zoltan Gera being out for the season, Albion seem to be without a natural right sided midfielder. James Morrison has played there for a majority of his career, but has shown that he provides Albion with much more attacking impetus from the centre of midfield. In contrast, Jerome Thomas has spent very little time on the right hand side of midfield despite being right-footed. He had a very good 2nd half in that position against Newcastle but could do with someone to challenge him. A player that has been, loosely, linked with Albion is Bristol City's Ghanian winger Albert Adomah. I have seen him play a few times on the TV, and he would certainly provide pace. Should Albion target the championship, another potential addition could be Robert Snodgrass.

Striker/Attacking Midfield:

As mentioned, the absence of Gera has left Albion a little depleted in some areas, this being another. Thus far, we have not been linked with many players capable of playing in the hole behind the striker, but we have been linked with a few strikers whom I think would strengthen our squad. One of those is Rangers Nikica Jelavic, who would provide us with a different option as a target man. However I would think that this deal is unlikely considering the fee he would demand, and Albion's reputation for not spending money in January.

A cheaper option could be another Bristol City player, Nicky Maynard. He is similar in style to Peter Odemwingie, and with his contract nearing it's end and Bristol City looking to sell, the fee would be considerably less than if trying to buy him last summer.

One deal does seem to be drawing to a conclusion, with Dundee Utd's young central midfielder Scott Allan due at the training ground next Friday to discuss terms with the club.