James Chester has been speaking of his pleasure at starting the last few games for West Bromwich Albion having been earlier overlooked following his summer arrival from Hull City.
Having made his frustrations known a few months ago about a lack of game time, our most expensive defender at £8million now has three successive starts under his belt in recent games with injuries hitting the backline, and he’s been pleased with his turn in fortunes from being a bit part player.
He hasn’t yet however started in his natural centre back position with head coach Tony Pulis using him as a makeshift full back.
The 27 year old is quoted by the Birmingham Mail as saying following the hard fought Everton victory.
‘It seems to have come around when I least expected it. It took a couple of injuries to get in, but I`ve been fairly pleased with how I`ve performed certainly against Newcastle and last week against Peterborough at centre-half I was really happy. Everton was maybe a more difficult game but we`ve come away with a win. It`s nice to be in the team and doing what I`ve come here for.’
With Chester yet to start a Premier League game in his preferred position, he said he’s not unhappy to be in at full back as Pulis said he would be a versatile performer when called upon and many wonder if he’s a long term option for our more aging – albeit still performing – centre halves.
‘That`s what the gaffer said when he signed me, he`d use me all across the back four. Full-back is fairly new to me, it`s a difficult place to learn, but just to be out there playing after such a long time is nice.’
Going back to Everton and his battle against Aaron Lennon on the day, Chester ended by saying.
‘We all know what he`s going to do, but he`s so quick over the turf it`s difficult to stop him. In the first half I was maybe getting too close over to Jonas to get myself out there and make it difficult for him. In the second half I felt more comfortable with it – they didn`t trouble us as much as the first half.’
As for James McClean and his row with Everton fans during the game and questions about retrospective action and a speech from Pulis if needed, it’s now being reported that the Football Association will not be taking action against him.
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