Sam Johnstone targets automatic promotion with West Brom
New boy Sam Johnstone is targeting automatic promotion with Albion next season.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper, who became Darren Moore’s first signing this week following his £6.5m switch from Manchester United, suffered play-off final heartbreak while on loan at rivals Aston Villa last season.
But Albion’s summer recruit is confident his new club can go one better and bounce straight back up to the Premier League by finishing in the top two.
“Look at the players we’ve got here,” he said. “You’re not even looking at a play-off final, you’re looking at automatic.
“It is a tough league, it’s two games a week and everyone is fighting to either go up or stay up.
“But hopefully the quality and the experience (in the squad) will take the club straight back up.”
Preston-born Johnstone came through the United academy but never made a senior appearance for the Manchester giants and decided to leave for the chance of first-team football.
He has enjoyed a slightly nomadic career over the past few years, having been on loan at seven different clubs, and is now eager to settle down after signing a four-year contract with Albion.
The Baggies have been interested in Johnstone for a year, but the arrival of goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler in January helped persuade the 25-year-old to make the switch to The Hawthorns.
Cutler, who has been helping the Baggies on their hunt for new goalkeepers this summer, was Johnstone’s coach at Scunthorpe United when he was on loan at the the Iron as a teenager.
“I’ve worked with ‘Cuts’ before when I was younger and I’ve kept in touch with him,” said Johnstone.
“He knows how I work, I know how he works and hopefully he now pushes me to another level. I’m glad to be back working with him.
“He’s told me this is a great place to be. The people at the training ground, the staff, the players, it’s one family, everyone gets on.
“I’ve also spoken to a lot of people who had good things to say about the club.
“I was in the Midlands last year and I liked the area. It’s a good chance for me now to continue my career.
“Hopefully I’ll be here for a long time. It’s time to settle down.”
Albion could need to sign another goalkeeper this summer after Johnstone’s arrival paved the way for Ben Foster’s exit to Watford. Boaz Myhill has already been released.
