Scharner: I had other options, but chose West Brom
Sep 2 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail
PAUL Scharner claims he had plenty of summer transfer options before completing his move to Albion.
Scharner left Wigan at the end of last season after deciding to seek a new challenge.
The 30-year-old was close to joining Sunderland but was unable to agree terms.
And the Austrian claims that, while he had offers from elsewhere, he never once feared finding himself without a club, despite only joining Albion on the penultimate day of the transfer window.
“There were always different options for me and I always had a plan B regardless,” said Scharner, who made just over 150 appearances for the Latics.
“I was never worried about finding a club. I had opportunities elsewhere so I was confident I could join a good club.
“West Bromwich is a traditional club even though their last few years have been marked by promotion and relegation.
“We need to stop this and establish ourselves in the Premier League as we did with Wigan.
“Negotiations lasted for three days and it was really hard work but all sides are now satisfied.
