Chris Mepham says he’s delighted to have found a permanent home at Albion as he heads into what he believes will be the “prime” years of his career.
The 27-year-old joined the Baggies on a three-year contract on Thursday from Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth, becoming the club’s sixth summer signing.
Mepham departs the Cherries having had six years there, the last of which was spent on loan at Sunderland with whom he won promotion to the top flight with via the play-offs.
The Wales international thinks he played some of his best football during his time with the Black Cats as a result of making regular appearances, and Mepham hopes he can showcase his best level in an Albion shirt over the coming campaigns.
He said: “It’s been a pretty busy time. I’ve known there’s been interest for a couple of weeks.
“I was always aware of what a fantastic opportunity it is, so it was just a case of staying close to my phone and waiting for the green light.
“I got the green light on Wednesday morning. There’s been a lot of hours on the motorway, but I’m really pleased to get it all done.
“I thought this was a good move for me for a few reasons. I’m 27 now and I’m probably approaching the most important part of my career. I’d been at AFC Bournemouth for a long time and over the last couple of years I’ve been feeling ready for a new adventure.
“I had a really enjoyable loan spell at Sunderland last season. I was ready to move on a permanent deal and find a new home.
“I feel like I’m coming into my prime or like I'm already very close to it. I do still feel like I’ve got loads to give. I’d say last season was my first season where I played a lot of games for the first time in a long time and I found myself playing some of my best football.
“Now, with that experience and another promotion under my belt, I want to bring that here and hopefully we can have a successful season.”
Chris insists “composure on the ball” and “experience” are some of his best attributes.
The defender added: “A lot of my best attributes revolve around having the ball and being confident on the ball.
“I’d like to think anyone who has worked with me or seen me play would say I’m confident on the ball and enjoy the pressure of being able to build up from the back.
“I’d say I’m composed, but I’m also aware there are plenty of areas that I can improve on. At 27, I’ve still got time to do that.
“I’d like to think with the experience that I’ve got with playing in some really big games – play-off finals and World Cup games – I can translate that onto the pitch here at Albion.
“I’d like to think people have good things to say about me, but definitely being in possession of the ball is where I come into my own.”
Mepham will be determined to instantly impress Baggies boss Ryan Mason and force his way into the starting XI.
The new recruit revealed conversations with Mason were really “positive” and says he’s really excited to work with a head coach who is respected very highly.
Chris said: “The conversations I’ve had with the manager and other people at the football club have been really positive.
“I’ve spoken to the manager a couple of times and he’s someone who I’ve had really good references of from people I know. Brennan Johnson being one, who I know worked with him at Spurs and had a really good relationship with him. He couldn’t speak highly enough about him.
“To be 34, a Championship manager and have the start that he’s had, it’s exciting for me to work him. He had an amazing playing career and I’m sure he’s got really good ideas to help the team move forward.
“I’m really looking forward to working with him and the conversations we’ve had have been really positive.
“Hopefully now, we can all create something really special.”
