Late yesterday afternoon 25-year-old free agent Jonathan Bond joined up with West Bromwich Albion following the expiry of his three year deal with Reading.
Welcome to the Albion, @bondy506!
🙌🏼✍🏼#WBAhttps://t.co/vQ4v9UNlV0
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) July 16, 2018
He headed into the training ground to put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with us and he was with us in Scotland last week for our four-day training camp as he was assessed by our coaches, so he does already have a leg up in terms of getting to know the group and beginning the process of settling in so he can hit the ground running when called upon.
Bond has represented Wales at international level up to Under 19 levels, where he made the switch to England allegiance, gaining seven caps in Under 20 and Under 21 levels.
Previous experience has been gained by the stopper during spells with Reading, Watford, Bury, Gillingham and Peterborough United and he comes into bolster Neil Cutler’s goalkeeper unit.
Speaking to wba.co.uk after he completed the formalities on his move, Bond explained that he could be shaken but never stirred.
“This is a Premier League club and that’s what we’ve got to concentrate on – getting ourselves back up there. The facilities are great, the people are great. The Championship is a tough league but I believe it’s an exciting season ahead.”
Clearly, Cutler had a say in his signing as he explained himself that we were still on the hunt for one more so the younger keepers at the club could continue their development without first-team distractions – that does mean 21-year-old prospect Alex Palmer is likely to head out on loan now for some real game time.
“I want a group of three competitive keepers who are driven, athletic, eager, quick and able to push each other in every session of every day. I have tracked Jonathon’s career through from his involvement in the England set-up and he’s one who has got real potential. We need to work on that fine detail now, He’s dropped off the radar a bit but he wants to learn and work and push on. He’s got experience of the Championship and knows the top two divisions and fits what we want in terms of work ethic.”
Two signings in one day pic.twitter.com/bAASFK7eRx
— Ryan (@Ryan_wba1) July 16, 2018
2 in a day…. and I love it ???????? #WBA pic.twitter.com/L869a7Gvwb
— Rob Paddock (@RobPaddockWBA) July 16, 2018
Surely his squad number is 007?
— Colm Brosnan (@ColmBrosnan) July 16, 2018
omg hahaha is he really? Do you know anything about him? Didn’t really watch Peterborough last season
— jonas (@ToastedJonas) July 16, 2018
Most inconsistent goalie I've seen. Goes from a World Class performance to an error prone one. Hoping in the last 4 years he's regulated it a bit for your sake
— Sean (@SeanGWalker) July 16, 2018
Wtf. Stop announcing players
— Rondon (@Rondxnn) July 16, 2018
Wow the announcements ????????????
— CD (@Dawsinho_) July 16, 2018
You got yourself a top keeper there, excellent shot stopper was loved at Posh last season
— Paul Hudson (@Paul_hud) July 16, 2018
Welcome to the Baggies @bondy506 .. x
— ???? Debbie ???? (@BaggieBird62) July 16, 2018
Welcome to The Hawthorns Bond, J Bond….
— Apna Albion (@ApnaAlbion) July 16, 2018
Make sure you update your twitter as well now Bondy ????????????????????????????⚪️
— Carl Burkitt (@baggyboy1878) July 16, 2018
You've got a great signing there!
— Jack Simmons (@JackSimmons101) July 16, 2018
He's a good lad is Bond and he's still got big potential. Good luck!!
— Paul D. Hogan (@hoganwatford) July 16, 2018
Wow, 2️⃣ signings in one day!! ???? Hello ???? #Baggies ????⚪
— Sim (@SimmyR28) July 16, 2018
