Craig Dawson has capped a remarkable turnaround at The Hawthorns by signing a new and improved contract until 2017.
Dawson looked to be heading out the Albion exit door this summer after submitting a transfer request. The Baggies also turned down three offers from newly promoted Burnley for the former Rochdale man.
But following injury and lack of form to established pair Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley, Dawson has seized his opportunity under Alan Irvine and has formed an impressive partnership with England international Joleon Lescott.
“Obviously Craig was very unsettled when I first arrived in the summer but we as a club were never interested in selling him,” said Baggies boss Alan Irvine.
“We felt he had the potential to be a top centre-back and once he got his head settled and knew he wasn’t going anywhere he started to put in very good performances.
“His level of consistency has kept him in the team despite our having top international centre-backs breathing down his neck.
“Getting a new contract, which he thoroughly deserves, completes a great start to the season for him and I’m really pleased for the lad.”
Did Dawson deserve a new contract? Have your say at Baggies Banter.