West Brom new boy Kyle Bartley ready to draw on Championship experience

The 27-year-old, who has signed a three-year contract, has enjoyed two successful loan spells in the second tier with Birmingham City and Leeds United in recent years.

The centre-back's arrival comes as a welcome addition to Albion’s threadbare backline, and he is ‘over the moon’ about joining a ‘massive club’.

He was convinced by head coach Darren Moore’s ambition, and is eager to fight for a regular starting place in defence.

"I’ve got good experience of the Championship,” said Bartley. “I know what it takes and how long the season is.

“It’s very hard to play 46 games and it’s important to have players who are aware of the ups and downs of the season and are able to maintain a consistent level. I think I’m well prepared.”

Albion have paid Swansea £4m up front for Bartley, but that fee could rise to £6m if the Baggies win promotion back to the Premier League.

Standing at 6ft 3in, Bartley is a towering centre-back who has been brought in to help fill the gaps left by Gareth McAuley and Jonny Evans.

Although he struggled with knee injuries last season, he played 45 out of 46 games in the Championship for Leeds in the campaign before.

“I like to think I’m a leader, a fully committed player who will always give 110 per cent every single time I put the shirt on,” added Bartley. “I play with my heart on my sleeve.

"I’m a no-nonsense centre back but I like to play. I’ve come from a background of playing football through the academy systems (at Arsenal) and my time at Swansea too, but I defend first and whatever extra can come, so be it.”

Leeds were interested in taking Bartley back to Elland Road this summer, but when Moore came calling, the defender was impressed.

“I’m over the moon,” said Bartley. “I found out about the opportunity over a week ago and I’ve been eager to get here and get it finalised.

"We all know it’s a massive club and the new manager coming in at the end of last year brought something new, some fresh ideas.

“After speaking with Darren I knew this was the place I wanted to be.

“He let me know his ideas for the season and the next few years, his ambitions for the club and he told me about the fan base and the facilities. It was something I was eager to be involved with.

“I want to play week in week out on a regular basis, give my all to the club and the fans.

“I think were all know where this club wants to be and we have to push as hard as we can to achieve that."

Bartley completed his first training session with the Baggies this morning and is set to feature in Friday’s pre-season friendly at Aberdeen, but there were a few familiar faces ready to greet him at the club.

“It’s always nerve-wracking starting a new chapter and meeting your new team-mates and staff but knowing a few of the lads will help me settle in,” he said.

“I used to play with Kieran Gibbs at Arsenal and know him well, I saw him out in Portugal in the summer.

“I know a few of the other lads and I know the manager too.

“We came back a week later at Swansea than the boys here so I may be a little bit behind but I did a lot of work in the off-season so I am hoping my fitness levels are up to speed and I can be involved in games as soon as possible.

“I’ll try and be a good person in and around the dressing room and bring experience to the younger players.”