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Player Profile: Striker Roman Bednar

Roman Bednar
By Jemma Tappenden January 17 2008
Just what Albion needed, A quick, strong front man, who hopefully will give Tony Mowbray plenty of selection headaches when it comes to picking his strike force. Bednar arrived at the Hawthorns initially on a season's loan, with the option to make the deal permanent next year. The striker has made an immediate impact for Albion, netting 9 goals in 11 appearances.

The 24 year old 6'3" powerhouse started his career as a youth player at CAFC Prague.  In 1998 he he stepped up to Gambrinus Liga side FC Bohemians Praha.  However having never really made an impact he moved again in 2002 to Czech Second Division side FK Mlada Boleslav.  Bednar enjoyed massive success 12 months later, becoming the sides leading goalscorer with 10 goals, and helping the Second Division side to the title and promotion. 

In the following season he grabbed the attention of British scouts, scoring 6 goals for FK Mlada Boleslav as they tried to consolidate in the Gambrinus Liga.

Later in 2005 Hearts announced they had secured the signing of Bednar on a one year loan spell.  He was an instant hit, scoring against Kilmarnock on his debut, as well as in a 3 goal feast away at Dundee United.  But it was his goal against Rangers, the only goal of the game, which secured his legendary status amongst the hearts of Hearts fans forever.  However the new found hero suffered a knee injury during the same game, seeing him miss a number of weeks of first team action.

Bednar got of to a flying start at the beginning of last season, scoring the two goals in Hearts 2-1 victory over Celtic at Tynecastle.  He also made his debut for the Czech Republic on the 16th August 2006.  Impressed with his efforts Hearts signed the striker on a permanent deal on the 31st August 2006.

Bednar arrived at the Baggies on the final day of the transfer window having suffered a series of mixed fortunes at Hearts since last season.  Injury has prevented his progress at Hearts.

Bednar's initial start at Albion was somewhat hindered by the formidable strike union between Kevin Phillips and fellow on-loan striker Ishmael Miller.  During his time in the reserves he scored many goals, including a hatrick against Oldham Athletic.

He made his first team debut as a substitute in Albion's 3-0 away victory at Watford on 3rd November 2007.  He marked his first senior team start by netting both of the Baggies goals in a 2-1 victory at Plymouth Argyle.

An unfortunate injury to Phillips towards the end of 2007 allowed Bednar the chance to establish his place in the first team, and he has rewarded Mowbray's loyalty with nine goals in eleven appearances.  Bednar has made it clear that he would like to make his move to the Hawthorns a permanent one.

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