West Bromwich Sign Poland Star Tomasz Kuszczak

Albion, England. July 15, 2004. Albion have beaten a host of clubs from both home and abroad to the signature of Poland international keeper Tomasz Kuszczak. The Baggies faced competition from Premiership and Championship rivals, plus teams in Spain and Germany, for the out-of-contract Hertha Berlin shot-stopper. But the 22 year-old last night opted to join Gary Megson's top flight new boys and sealed his move to The Hawthorns after passing a routine medical.

Kuszczak has signed a three-year deal, with a one year option. Boss Megson said, "We're really pleased to have brought Tomasz in. We faced quite a bit of competition to sign him. Even as late as last night, as Tomasz was walking across our car park, a Bundesliga rang his agent to try to sign him as he was about to put pen to paper here." Kuszczak is represented by the international management firm, Global Sport Group.

"Tomasz had opportunities to join another Premiership club, a First Division club, two Spanish teams and two Bundesliga clubs - but he decided to come here," added Megson. "He's not the finished article by any means but he's got a good chance. He wants to play in England and we've given him the opportunity to improve and push on," said Megson.

Kuszczak, Albion's fourth signing of the summer, will now vie for the goalkeeping jersey with Russell Hoult and Simon Miotto. The 6 foot 3 inch Kuszczak won his first full Poland caps in friendlies against Malta and Lituania last December and also made 14 appearances for the Under-21 side.

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