Charlie Taylor felt like he “couldn’t turn down” the opportunity to join Albion and become the club’s final signing of the summer transfer window.
The left-back rounded-off the Baggies’ business on deadline day, completing a season-long loan from fellow Sky Bet Championship side Southampton.
A second-tier title winner, who also has vast Premier League experience, 31-year-old Taylor arrives at The Hawthorns to further bolster Ryan Mason’s defensive options.
In his first interview since making the move, the former Leeds, Burnley and Saints player explains Albion’s appeal, what he’s hoping to bring, and his aims for this campaign.
“This is a massive opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down,” said Charlie.
“Once I heard about the interest, and once the move got the go-ahead, I was really keen to get things moving. I’m looking forward to joining up with the lads, helping out whatever way I can, and start playing regular football again.
“I’ve played against Albion a fair few times in the Premier League and in the Championship, and they’ve always been competitive games. It’s never an easy place to come, The Hawthorns.
“As a Championship team, Albion have always been up there at the top end. When interest comes up, it’s a hugely appealing club.
“I’ve been keeping a check on results this season. The team has started so well, going unbeaten. That was another positive when thinking about making the move and something else that attracted me to the club.
“I’ve got a lot of experience. I’ve played a lot of games at the top level, and I’ve played under and lot of managers in a lot of different systems, so I feel like I can bring a lot in terms of all that. I’m here to help in any way that I can.
“I had a quick chat with the manager and he filled me in on everything, such as how he sees the team and how he sees me fitting into the team. He told me about his ambitions of where he wants to go. It was another thing that sold it. There are so many positives for me to come here.
“There’s a lot of quality in the league this year and a lot of good teams. The teams that have come up into the division, and those that have come down into it, all look strong, so it’s going to be really competitive. Everyone knows how tough this league is.
“We’ve started well and we’re unbeaten, so hopefully we can carry that on. I feel like this team will be competitive at the top end of the league.
“I’ve got a few weeks to get to know everyone now before the games start again after the break. I’ll get to know the style of play, the lads and the place in general. I’ve got time to settle in and get to know everything.
“I want to play as much football as I can, help the team and the club as best I can, stay fit, stay healthy and be challenging at the top end of the division. I don’t see any reason why we can’t do that.”