Craig Dawson delighted to sign new West Brom deal
Craig Dawson has revealed he never wanted to leave West Brom after signing a new contract at the Hawthorns.
The defender agreed a deal until 2017 to draw a line under his summer of uncertainty when he handed in a transfer request and Albion rejected three bids from Burnley for the player.
Dawson, 24, had previously struggled to make an impact at West Brom after moving from Rochdale in 2010.
He scored his first goal for the club in the 4-0 victory over his summer suitors on Sunday and insisted all he had wanted was an extended run in the first team.
"It (the contract) was an easy decision to make for me, especially as I was playing games," he said.
"It's hard when you don't play. You work hard in the week, don't get the chance to play, and it affects your fitness and confidence. Everything grows when you play - your confidence, your fitness.
"You never get a promise of football but I was told if I work hard, do the right things, then I would get an opportunity to play.
"It was obviously a tough time in the summer. Speaking to the gaffer it was important for me to play games. That was the main thing really."
Dawson has started all six Premier League games under new head coach Alan Irvine and the former England U21 international added: "I had a good chat with the gaffer in the summer.
"He has been unbelievable since he came in. He's put in a lot of time and effort with me.
"I needed to play football, the gaffer knew that and I got that opportunity with a few injuries we had in pre-season. The gaffer has put in a lot work with me and it's good to have that opportunity."