West Brom defender eager to show fans his "best version" in new season

Chris Mepham has admitted his first season at the Hawthorns was “frustrating” - but has vowed to show West Brom supporters the “best version” of himself next season.

The Wales international arrived last summer fresh from guiding Sunderland to promotion into the Premier League - via the Championship play-offs during his loan spell at the Stadium of Light.

However, instead of another promotion push, Mepham found himself battling at the other end of the table with the Baggies last term.

James Morrison came to the rescue and helped preserve Albion’s Championship status, although a hamstring kept Mepham out of the final 15 games.

Mepham keen to show West Brom his “best version”

And Mepham, who has scored once in 26 matches in all competitions, is now determined to put the previous campaign behind him and move forward with Albion.

“The fans definitely haven’t seen the best of me,” Mepham admitted in a club interview.

“When you step away and reflect, there’s been no hiding that I had a frustrating season.

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“I know what I need to improve on, and I’m only 28, so there will always be stuff to improve on.

“I’m really keen to show Albion fans the best version of me.”

The 28-year-old started his career with Brentford, before joining AFC Bournemouth in January 2019, where he spent the next five-and-a-half years.

Mepham played 22 times as the Cherries gained automatic promotion to the top-flight in 2022 and made 38 appearances on loan at Sunderland during their play-off winning season in 2024-25.

So, Mepham came to the Black Country with his sights set on a third promotion, which of course never materialised.

Mepham: “I know the levels that I can hit”

But Mepham is looking to hit his previous levels again and prove a point in the new season.

He added: “I came here having been promoted with Sunderland and I really wanted to emulate that and do it for a third time in my career.

“There will always be seasons that don’t work out, and individually, I didn’t give the best account of myself last year.

“I know the levels I can hit, and of course the timing of my injury last year was tough because I think my experience could’ve helped in those final few games.

“But it was amazing to see the togetherness the group showed. Going into this season, I feel good, I feel mentally refreshed and ready to go.

“I’m looking forward to showing people the best version of me and I’m very confident that I can do that.”