Mason Holgate has revealed if he could have hand-picked one club to join in the transfer window - it would have been West Bromwich Albion.
The defender signed for the Baggies on a season-long loan deal from Everton on deadline day, becoming the club’s 11th and final arrival of the summer.
It’s the second time Holgate has made a temporary switch to The Hawthorns having previously represented Albion between January and May in 2019, during which time he played 23 games.
Mason has kept in touch with several players over the last five years, attending matches when opportunities arose.
The 27-year-old says he feels a strong affinity with the whole club and insists he’s delighted to be back a place which felt like “home” the first time around.
The new signing said: “I’m over the moon to be back. As soon as I heard there could be a chance of coming here I was pushing it and it was a no-brainer.
“I’ve had a strong feeling for the club ever since I joined a few years ago. I felt so at home the first time I was here and I’ve always kept a look out for the results.
“I’ve been to the odd game and I’ve kept in contact with a few of the boys.
“The move came through quite late and it was pretty hectic. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to come. If I could’ve picked anywhere to come it would’ve been here, so I’m more than happy to have waited to get the club that means something to me.
“I’ve got an affinity with the fans. We fell a little bit short the last time I was here, losing on penalties in the Play-Offs, but ever since then, when I’ve played against Albion the fans have been great with me.
“To get a good reception again on Saturday before the game against Swansea was great, but I’ve got to repay that this season and show why they’ve stuck with me.
“Being here the first time was the most I’ve ever enjoyed playing football in my career.
“It just clicked straight away and I had a real bond with my team-mates at that time, and the fans.
“I used to come back and watch the boys play because I ended up being really good mates with a lot of them. If I could, I’d always try and get to a game of Albion’s.
“There’s no secret about it. I want to be playing football. I’ve not been playing consistently for a few years, so it’s important to get playing again.
“Saying that, the lads have been doing great and they’ve not lost a game yet so I can’t expect to come in and go straight into the team.
“I hope the lads keep doing as well as they are, I’ll go away and work hard for my opportunity and then try my best to take that opportunity when it comes.”
