Graham Dorrans: I never planned to leave Albion

Albion star Graham Dorrans today insisted he never considered leaving The Hawthorns as he reflected on his new long-term contract.

The Scotland international ended speculation over a move to West Ham this week by penning a new four-year deal with a one-year option.

And the 23-year-old today claimed the three failed bids from the Hammers never diverted his focus from the new Premier League season with Albion.

"I am delighted that it's sorted out and I can look forward to getting the season started," he said.

"But my mind was always focused on starting the season here anyway because I was contracted here.

"The speculation doesn't really have an effect. I was just coming in every day and concentrating on training like anyone else would have done.

"Until anyone mentioned anything to me that was all I could do. I was contracted to the club anyway.

"My mind was always here and I was always focused on coming in and training, getting fit and getting pre-season done.

"About a week or two before we went to Holland the new contract was basically agreed and it was just about getting the papers written up.

"The contract came over to Holland and I signed it while I was over there."

Albion followed up Dorrans' contract deal by securing midfield anchorman Youssouf Mulumbu on a new two-year deal with a one-year option.

And Dorrans is delighted to see his fellow midfielder commit his future to the Baggies after playing a vital role in the Scot's attacking success last season.

Dorrans said: "Youssouf has been great and having him and Gonzalo Jara playing in behind me was great until Gonzo got his injury.

"They give me the licence to get forward and get on the ball and if I can't make it back they are always there with that protection in behind me. So it's good to have that licence."