John Hartson became West Brom's first major signing of the summer and is hoping to have a big impact at the Hawthorns. The 31-year-old penned a two-year deal after negotiating his release from Celtic where he enjoyed five successful seasons. However, the Wales international is back where it all started for him, the Championship. He was plucked from this level with Luton Town by Arsenal and then went on to play for West Ham, Wimbledon, Coventry and Celtic. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson caught up with Hartson ahead of their pre-season training campaign, which begins in earnest tomorrow.
Q:WHAT PERSUADED YOU TO JOIN ALBION?
A:I spoke to Bryan Robson and he made an immediate impact on me. He told me that, basically, he was hoping to come straight back up at the first attempt and he was looking to hold on to everybody. When I looked at the squad of players and listened to him then it was never in doubt that, if I left Celtic, this was the place I was going to come.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR IMMEDIATE AMBITIONS?
A:I am looking to have a good pre-season as I scored 20 goals last year. I had a difficult time at the back end of last season with a few personal problems I was going through so, all in all, I was relatively pleased with 20 goals. My main objective is to have a good pre-season and establish myself in the side because there are a lot of good players here. There is a lot of competition and I am relishing it. The amount of goals I score will come but, first and foremost I want to establish myself in the team.
Q:EXPECTATIONS ARE HIGH AT ALBION AND ON YOURSELF TO SCORE GOALS AREN'T THEY?
A:I spoke to Nigel Pearson (assistant manager) and he said we are hoping to get crosses in and give the strikers service, but there is a lot more to my game than just goals. I will look to help the younger players here as well but if I can just play my normal game, win headers, hold the ball up and be as fit as I can, then I am sure I can do quite well.
Q:DID YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF GOING ELSEWHERE OTHER THAN ALBION?
A:I had contact from a few clubs but it would be unfair to say who they were, although I spoke to several managers. When I spoke to Bryan Robson I told him that, if the deal could be done, then I would like to join him and play here. It wasn't about money and touting myself around a few clubs, as I could have earned more money if I had played at Celtic this year. I still had a year left on my deal. I just really wanted the challenge of trying to take West Brom back to the Premiership.
Q:WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER YOUR LONG SPELL IN SCOTLAND?
A:It is a good standard and there are some good teams and big crowds. If we can manage to hold onto the majority of the best players we have got in the squad and add one or two others then who knows? Hopefully, we can have a good year. Albion is a big club with a tremendous fan base and the squad of players is superb. There are a lot of internationals in the squad and the whole thing really appeals to me.
Q:DID YOU THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE GOT A LONGER DEAL?
A:It is a two-year deal but, nowadays; I don't think clubs are in the business of giving 31-year-olds three and four year contracts. I am not stupid, I am 31 not 25. I am not going to play forever so I want to try and finish my career as strongly as I can. This challenge is something I want. I am looking forward to getting stuck into it.
