Marek Cech: Why I gave West Brom another go
MAREK Cech says a reassuring word from Roberto Di Matteo convinced him to give Albion a second chance.
The 27-year-old Slovakian international made just 11 appearances under Tony Mowbray in the Premier League following a £1.4 million switch from Porto.
But he has made more than three times that under the Italian, who convinced him not to quit last summer.
Cech admits he very nearly left.
“It was very close at the start of the season because I had an agreement from the club that I could leave after a not very successful season for me,” he said.
“But when the new coach came in he spoke to me about everything and he explained to me that if I stayed I would have a better season.
“That was good for me and it helped me a lot.”
Cech started as a flying wing-back but Joe Mattock’s form meant he ended the season rooted at the back.
“It is good for me that I started as a left midfield player and finished as a leftback because the more positions you can play the better it is for you,” he said.
“It is good to be able to play as many places as possible because it’s better for a player if you can play in more than one position.”
Cech has a year remaining on his contract and the club hold a further year’s option.
He clearly relished his role in helping the club back to the top flight.
“This season we played a better way in terms of getting points,’’ he said.
‘‘We have got more points away from home than at home and I think we have been a better team away.”
As for the record 90-point haul he added: “It’s very good for us because getting records like this is always good for players as we will be in the lists of history for West Bromwich Albion.
“It is a good preview for us because it will be a very important season for us next season and teams will be scared of us.’’
