Why I signed for West Brom - Jerome Thomas

Aug 20 2009 by Chris Lepkowski

JEROME Thomas claims he had 'no intention' of dropping down to the Championship - until he spoke to Roberto Di Matteo.

The 26-year-old, who left Portsmouth at the end of last season, made his Baggies debut in Tuesday's 3-2 win at Peterborough.

Thomas came off the bench and impressed Albion fans with his pace and willingness to take on defenders.

And Thomas, who had trials at Hull City and Wolves before joining Albion, claims Di Matteo's ambitions for the club were key to his final decision.

Thomas feels his exile from the Premier League will be a short one.

“The mere fact that I signed shows the ambition that I have and the club has because I had no intention of playing in the Championship," said Thomas, formerly of Charlton and Arsenal.