Conor will push Gibbs hard for place in starting line-up
WEST Brom new boy Conor Townsend says promotion at the first attempt has to be Albion’s primary focus this season.
The 22-year-old defender completed his £750,000 move from League One Scunthorpe United shortly before Albion’s 5-2 friendly win over Coventry City on Saturday.
And Townsend reckons a club the size of West Brom must have designs on an immediate return to the big time.
“We’ve got to be aiming to get straight back up at the first attempt,” he said.
“There’s no secret, it’s a difficult league, but there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be right up there and challenging. That’s got to be the aim for the football club.
“It’s difficult after a regroup and go again.
“But the squad that’s here is top drawer and if we can play like they have today we’ll be right up there.”
Having only just arrived, Townsend is unlikely to be named in Albion’s squad for the first game of the season against Bolton on Saturday.
The former Hull City youth player has been signed to provide competition for Kieran Gibbs at left-back.
Townsend faces a tall order to depose Gibbs, who was first-choice for four different managers last term, including Darren Moore.
But he hasn’t joined to make up the numbers and is excited about relegation to the personal challenge ahead. “I’ve got to try and do the best I can and push Kieran Gibbs to be playing week in week out,” Townsend added.
“If that’s good for West Bromwich Albion then that’s the best thing.
“If we’re all working hard, performing in training and playing, it pushes us all on to play better.
“That’s all you can hope the squad.
“I’m quite a confident player. I like to get forward and attack.
“I’m an attack-minded full-back. I’ve still got bits to work on and improve.
“I’m trying to improve myself year on year and feel I’m doing that.
“This is the next step for me and I want to take the chance.”
Gibbs hardly missed a match after for with signing from Arsenal year.
The former England international will clearly start as first-choice. But Townsend could well get a chance to impress if Moore makes changes for the League Cup first round match at home to Luton Town on August 14.
“He (Moore) just wanted me to come in, work hard and push for my spot,” Townsend said.
“That’s all I wanted to hear really. The club sold itself.
“As soon as I found out Albion were interested it was a no-brainer.
“To be joining such a massive club was a proud moment for me.
“Hopefully I’ll get a chance and when I do I keep the shirt.
“I’ll work hard and once chance I hope to take it.” in August last I get my