West Brom winger wants the title

Nov 25 2009 by Chris Lepkowski

JEROME Thomas has warned West Brom's Championship rivals that he wants a title-winners medal at the end of this season.

The Baggies dropped down to second after Newcastles win at Preston North End on Monday night.

Thomas believes the Tynesiders are likely to be Albions main rivals for promotion.

But while some would happily settle for top two finish, Thomas has set his sights on finishing top of the league, even though there is a lot of football yet to be played.

Its still early days and anything could happen but they are looking very strong, said Thomas.

They are not conceding a lot of goals and even in the game against Preston you could sense they were going to score and that is how we have been playing as well.

Both teams are playing with confidence and I think they have probably got a bit more experience than us but apart from that I cant see much difference.

In terms of who is going to finish top, I couldnt say. But we definitely want to finish top.

Its not a case of just getting promoted - being top will be our goal.

But nothing surprises me in the Championship.

Thomas turned down Hull and Wolves to joined Albion during the campaign.

He admits to being shocked at the size of the club and hopes that success for Albion would ensure six local derbies next season.

I didnt realise the stature and I didnt take into account how many teams there are in such close proximity, said the Londoner.

It would be nice if we could go up and Wolves and Birmingham could stay up in the Premier because it would be good for the area.

I think for the whole area and in terms of derby matches it would be great to have so many of those games