he made his first appearance of the 1991–92 campaign in the first away game season, a disappointing 3–0 defeat to oldham athletic at boundary park. after this performance he was dropped from the side and failed to make a match day squad. in december 1991 he was sent on a short loan spell at third division side west bromwich albion to gain some more experience. he impressed on his albion debut, which came in a 1–1 draw away at bradford city on 14 december 1991. in only his second appearance for the club, he was sent off for violent conduct in the draw with exeter city when he was involved in a clash of heads with referee paul alcock. despite video evidence showing that the "butting" was accidental he was still found guilty by the fa and received a nine match ban and a £600 fine. he went on to make a total of six appearances for the baggies, scoring once before returning to chelsea in march 1992. he made his comeback for chelsea in a 1–0 victory over norwich city in march and made a further six appearances that season, scoring his first chelsea goal with a header in the 3–1 defeat to aston villa in april.