Sam aiming for more minutes on the field
SAM Field has committed his long-term future to Albion by agreeing an improved contract at The Hawthorns – and the 20-year-old has outlined his desire to feature under Darren Moore on a more regular basis this season.
The midfielder made his debut for the Baggies as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on the final day of the 2015-16 campaign and has since made 12 starts, including seven in the Premier League last year.
Local lad and Albion fan, Field netted his first goal in stripes in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle last November, a match that was overseen by Gary Megson.
Now he has signed an extended contract until the summer of 2022 as Albion tie down another of their talented youngsters, and ambitious Field wants more regular football alongside the club’s senior stars.
“It’s nice for it to be sorted and I can just concentrate on the future, which I’m really looking forward to,” he said.
“Any time the club offers you a new contract, it’s brilliant. It’s always been an ambition of mine to play at The Hawthorns week in, week out and that’s my aim next season. I’m just delighted the club have offered me a new deal and I’m grateful for that.”
Albion play Swindon on Saturday before heading to Pittodrie to tackle Derek McInnes’ Aberdeen.
Field is sitting out the camp this week due to injury, although it is not thought to be particularly serious.
“I never thought I’d say this but I might have done too much (in training), which is what they’re saying,” he continued.
“It’s just about being a bit cleverer now and recognising I need to calm down a little bit.
“Keep working hard, but rest and recovery are very important when you’re a footballer.
“I just want to improve every day, if I had to do it again then I would – I’d rather do too much than too little.”
Moore and the vast majority of his players have reached the end of a four-day training camp in Scotland.
Kieran Gibbs, Craig Dawson and Hal Robson-Kanu were allowed to stay back, Gibbs for a minor injury, Dawson and Robson-Kanu for personal reasons.
Albion’s players have been severely tested at their University of St Andrews base, with two intense sessions per day as Moore looks to build fitness.
They will take Friday off before facing League Two side Swindon Town on Saturday, in Albion’s second friendly of pre-season.
James McClean faces disciplinary action after failing to report for Albion’s training camp.
McClean, who had been expected to join the rest of the squad despite strong interest from rivals Stoke City, did not show for the flight to Scotland.
It’s thought the Republic of Ireland winger, who can expect a fine of two weeks’ wages, had stayed behind to finalise a move to the Potters.
McClean is the third player to wilfully opt out of a Baggies training camp this summer.
Ben Foster and Dawson refused to go to Portugal last month amid accusations the board had stopped them from moving to Premier League clubs.
Foster has since secured a £4 million transfer to Watford, but Dawson remains with the club having seen bids from West Ham and Burnley rejected.
James Morrison is now in the closing stages of a lengthy rehab programme to overcome the Achilles injury that plagued him last season.
Morrison, who will earn a new contract provided he can prove his fitness, was with the party in Scotland and ready to take a full part in training.