West Bromwich Albion’s plans for the coming 2018/19 Championship campaign continued over the weekend with the announcement that youngster Jack Fitzwater had signed a new and improved deal with the club in recognition of his development.
"I've always said that I want to be at this club. I've been here since I was seven and this is where I want to make it."
A new deal for @Jackfitz14 👏🏽#WBA https://t.co/bxLqYWTQ3b
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) June 17, 2018
The 20-year-old defender impressed last season in two loan spells out with Forest Green Rovers and Walsall. The first half of the season saw him with FGR and he made 17 starting appearances, with two showings from the bench and he bagged his first EFL goal with the League Two side. Having returned in the January window, he made the late switch out to Walsall as he stepped up to League One level and he added a further 16 starts to his record, scoring on three occasions for the Saddlers.
Delighted to sign a new deal @WBA can’t wait for the new season to start⚽️ https://t.co/pYtIazQBC7
— jack fitzwater (@Jackfitz14) June 17, 2018
Speaking to wba.co.uk as he penned his new deal, Fitzwater insisted he wasn’t here to simply make up the numbers, he wanted to develop further and hopefully work his way into head coach Darren Moore’s plans for the coming season.
“I’m really excited that it’s all sorted and I can look forward to next season. I’ve always said that I want to be at this club. I’ve been here since I was seven and this is where I want to make it. Hopefully, this is the time for me to break into the first team and push into the starting eleven.”
With his long association with the club, he knows Moore well from the Academy set-up and he did have praise for him and Jimmy Shan, stating they had a ‘really positive working relationship’ and he was looking forward to that continuing at first-team level now.
Fans are always delighted when a homegrown youngster starts to make their breakthrough in the game, and it’s certainly no different in this instance.
You know I’m all love bro. Just give designer clothing a yard. ????
— Christian Doidge (@Chris_Doidge) June 17, 2018
Delighted for ya Fitzie . Welldone . See you on the 25th????????????
— Jacko WBA Kitmanager (@jackosmyth1) June 17, 2018
Congrats to @Jackfitz14 – one of the most hard working players I have ever seen. Well deserved ????????
— Lewis Richards (@LRichards977) June 17, 2018
I thought @Jackfitz14 looked a real prospect when he was with FGR. A lot of important tackles, clearances and headers. That first goal as well mind. As well as the ability he seemed like he had a good composure and mentality. Definitely one to watch.
— Chris Latham (@achrislatham) June 17, 2018
Yesss get in, hope he can get in the first team this season
— Ryan (@Ryan_wba1) June 17, 2018
Excellent attitude Jack ????????
— Paul Slater (@SlatePaul) June 17, 2018
Congrats lad watched you during your loan spell at Hednesford hope you make it ????
— Martyn Walters (@Martw90) June 17, 2018
Congratulations Jack.
— Sandra Hughes (@phoenixbaggie) June 17, 2018
Great attitude a proper baggie
— george (@george05052627) June 17, 2018
Congrats! Another academy lad coming through! #wba #WeNotMe
— Howie Painter (@hrp6) June 17, 2018
