Club News

Dorrans pens new three-year deal

Scotland international commits to The Hawthorns until 2017

GRAHAM Dorrans has pledged his long-term future to Albion by signing a new and improved three-year contract.

The Baggies earlier this summer activated a 12-month option on the midfielder’s pre-existing deal and Dorrans has now put pen to paper on fresh terms.

The Scot’s three-year contract means he is committed to The Hawthorns until 2017.

Dorrans made a total of 14 starts last season and a further two substitute appearances, scoring twice towards the end of the campaign against Cardiff and Manchester City.

Having been unable to nail down a regular starting berth over the first half of last term, the Scotland international established himself as a key performer in helping to secure the club’s Barclays Premier League status – starting each of the final ten matches.

“I’m happy to get my new contract finalised,” Dorrans said.

“We’ve been in talks for a couple of months and I’m glad to get it over the line. I’d like to thank my agent and the club for getting it sorted out.

“I’ve enjoyed my six years at Albion, I’m looking for a testimonial now!

“It’s been a good six years and that’s the reason why I’ve signed the extension. I’m looking forward to getting going now for the new season.

“It was a difficult start for me last season but it was about getting in the team and staying in there, and that’s what I’m hoping to do this year.

“I’m aiming to get in at the start of this season and stay in the team for the rest of the campaign.”  

Dorrans has already started his preparations for the 2014/15 season on the front foot having scored a superb opener in Albion’s 2-0 behind-closed-doors friendly victory over Bury at the weekend.

It came on the back of head coach Alan Irvine’s first week of pre-season working with his players.  

And Dorrans, who featured in last night's 2-1 friendly win at Shrewsbury, added: “Alan’s been good. I hadn’t met him before he came in but training has been really good and he seems passionate. I think we’ll do well this season.”

The 27-year-old joined Albion from Scottish outfit Livingston for a training spell in January 2008, doing enough to secure a permanent move in a £150,000 deal that summer.

He made his Premier League debut for the Baggies off the bench at home to Manchester City in December 2008 before his first league start came at West Ham in March 2009.

Dorrans enjoyed a memorable first full season in English football as he won the club's Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards in 2009/10.

His 18 goals from midfield made him the club's top scorer and he was voted into the PFA Championship Team of the Year, as well as being named the PFA Championship Fans' Player of the Year.

Dorrans’ impressive form also earned him his first senior international caps and a new four-year-deal at The Hawthorns, which included a further year's option in the club's favour.

A stop-start 2010/11 campaign - the highlight of which was a stunning maiden Premier League goal in a 3-3 draw with West Ham - came to a premature end in March due to an ankle problem.

Dorrans made a further 31 Premier League appearances during 2011/12, scoring three spectacular goals against Stoke, QPR and Arsenal.

Twenty six Premier League outings followed in the 2012/13 season before making a further 14 last term.

During his six years at the club to date, Dorrans has made a total of 167 appearances and scored 25 goals.