Club News

Field: Charlton chance just what we needed

Albion duo Sam Field and Jonathan Leko are revelling in their time away from the Baggies in a Charlton team relishing their Sky Bet Championship return.

Sam and Jonathan joined Lee Bowyer’s outfit on loan at the start of the season and will be back at The Hawthorns for the game against Charlton a week on Saturday.

They will not be able to play against their parent club but that will be an isolated frustration for the duo who went south in search of first-team football.

“It’s been really enjoyable for both of us I think,” says 21-year-old Sam. “It’s been a different experience and environment after 14, 15 years with one club and I’m really benefitting as I think Jonathan is too.

“I know West Brom as a club inside out so it’s great to get to a different club with a different style of play. They’ve got a great group of lads who we’re working with and I’m getting game time and that’s what it’s all about for me. Minutes on the pitch are what it’s all about for both of us.”

His 20-year-old partner has been thriving too, says Sam.

“And I’m really happy for Jonathan,” adds Sam. “I’ve known him a long time now and he’s done really well here.

“He’s really showing the signs of the player we first saw when he broke into the Albion team. He’s kept his head down and worked really hard and it looks as if he has been given a new lease of life.”

The Albion duo are away from their families and home surrounds but that is all part of the growing experience – although Sam draws the line at sharing digs with his Baggies pal.

“We’ve got our own places down here – I couldn’t live with him, that would be a nightmare!” he said.  “But I’m only a couple of minutes away and it’s worked out well for us. 

“It’s exactly what I needed. To go to a new club and get a difference experience. It’s a weight off my shoulders and it’s nice to be smiling again after a frustrating period. I’m really enjoying it. We both are.” 

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