Richard Chaplow joins West Brom

Last updated : 31 January 2005 By Tony Scholes

He has signed a deal just hours before the transfer window closed that will see him a West Brom player until the end of the 2007/08 season with the club having an option on a further year.

The Clarets pick up the £1.5 million and there is a sell on clause should the Baggies sell him in the future although there are no details of how much and there are no further add on payments such as for appearances or international calls.

They say business deals are often conducted on the golf course and this one had an element of that in it. Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson said, “I saw him when he first got into the Burnley team. I had a game of golf with Burnley’s former manager Stan Ternent and he spoke very highly of him.

“I took notice of Richard then and he is progressing all the time. He’s got good character and is an all round midfield player.

“I wouldn’t have asked the chairman to pay this kind of money if I didn’t think Richard could make the step up to the Premiership.”

He hasn’t signed in time for West Brom’s relegation clash against Crystal Palace tomorrow but could make his Premiership debut at Norwich on Saturday, just less than three years since he made his Burnley debut at the same ground.