Source: FOOTYMAD
Scharner fits the bill for Baggies
Di Matteo and Ashworth delighted to capture free transfer Austrian international Paul Scharner has been greeted with open arms by Albion management after joining on a free transfer. The former Wigan man has penned a two-year contract after his release from the DW Stadium last season. Scharner, who can play either in defence or midfield, brings with him a wealth of Premier League experience and is exactly the type of player both Roberto Di Matteo and Dan Ashworth identified at the start of the recruitment process. “I'm delighted to welcome Paul to the club,” Head Coach Roberto Di Matteo said. “He is exactly the type of player we've been looking to bring in because he is a proven Premier League player, having performed consistently well in the top flight for the past four-and-a-half years. “Paul is a powerful, competitive player who is good on the ball, excellent in both boxes, can play in numerous positions and also chips in with goals. “He is obviously short of match practice at the moment but when he’s fully up to speed I’m sure his experience will prove invaluable as we strive to establish this club in the Premier League.” Dan Ashworth, the man who helped bring Scharner to The Hawthorns, added: “Paul has been on our radar ever since we knew he would be leaving Wigan and it is great news for the club that he has agreed to join us. “At the start of the window, we looked in-depth at several players who were becoming free agents and had considerable experience in top-flight football either in England or abroad. “I think we've had some real success in this area with the arrivals of Paul, Steven Reid and Pablo Ibanez. “With the other players we've brought in for transfer fees, we now have a nice blend of youth and experience within the squad and plenty of competition for places.”
