Czech international striker Roman Bednar is hoping to extend his stay at The Hawthorns after he revealed he’s now a better player under Roberto Di Matteo. The last time Bednar was in the Championship he fired an impressive 12 goals in 29 appearances. And although the popular striker has only notched nine times so far this campaign, he believes Roberto Di Matteo has helped him progress as a player.
The 27-year-old still has a year, plus a year in the club’s favour, left on his current deal and has expressed his desire to extend his stay in the Black Country. After the support shown in Bednar by the club and Di Matteo during his pre-season problems the striker is hoping to repay the faith shown in him.
“I think this is an even better season for me than it was two seasons ago,” Bednar said.
"Injuries have got in the way a little bit but when I've played I'm happy with my performances.
"I think I'm stronger than two years ago and that experience helped me through this season.
"I think I'm also a little bit of a different player now.
"It's great to give something back and if it's going to be the second promotion in three years that will be fantastic.
"The club, the supporters and everyone have helped me and this is just the best way to give something back.
"I feel amazing at this club because everyone seems to like me.
"I still have one year and a one-year option on my contract.
"I'm pretty happy so I do not have it on my mind to try something else.
"I give everything that I have to this club and I hope they appreciate me."
Bednar was recalled as the lone striker to face Watford last weekend and is relishing playing as the sole front man in Roberto Di Matteo’s preferred 4-5-1 formation which has again saw the Baggies top the scoring charts.
"The style we've played over the last few months, the 4-5-1, I'm enjoying and the players are," he continued.
"Dozza is enjoying it because I think he feels like he has more space.
"The wingers like Jerome can beat two players and score goals by themselves.
"So, if you are in the right position, and they hit a third player, they will pass to you.
"Going forward we are a pretty strong team.
"I think we are a better team than two years ago, which is proved by the points.
"This year we manage to turn most losing positions into positive results.
"The last game at Watford was a rubbish game on a difficult pitch and we still managed to score in the last minute.
"That tells you everything."