Gaffer delighted at his first January signing
Tony Pulis believes the signing of Jake Livermore adds to both the quality and character of his Albion squad.
Livermore became the first signing of the January transfer window when he agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal in time to be available for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Sunderland.
A delighted Pulis was keen to act in the midfield area after agreeing to the sale of Craig Gardner and he reckons his new recruit can hit the peak years of his career in the blue and white stripes.
“Craig Gardner leaving left us short of a certain type of midfield player,” explained Pulis, “and in Jake we have brought in a very, very good player.
“I watched him a lot when he was at Tottenham and thought he would go on to establish himself as a top six player.
“Maybe he has just drifted away a little from that – although having said that two promotions and a Cup final with Hull should not be forgotten. But I believe this lad is a very, very good player and I’m delighted we’ve got him.
Livermore has arrived having this season been praised for some sterling performances as a central defender at Hull to go with his known speciality in midfield.
- Albion sign Livermore for undisclosed fee
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- VIDEO: Livermore's first interview
- GALLERY: Livermore trains with Albion
Pulis welcomes that kind of flexibility and also the age and character of his new signing.
“He is a fantastic character and as a player is good enough on the ball but also possesses fantastic energy. He’s a good age at 27 and I believe his next three or four years will be his best.
“There’s a dearth of mid-20s players in our group. We’ve got good young ones who are part and parcel of the future but we want to trim the age at the top end.
“At the same time, we need to get experienced players in – players who still have a lot left in the tank and something to prove and Jake is one of those players.”