Jonathan Bond ready to challenge Sam Johnstone for West Brom jersey
New goalkeeper Jonathan Bond is ready to challenge old friend Sam Johnstone for the number one spot at The Hawthorns.
Bond, who the Baggies snapped up on a free transfer yesterday, spent last season playing in League One for Peterborough while on loan from Reading.
But the 25-year-old is confident he can play in the Championship, having featured in the second tier for the Royals before.
Johnstone, who arrived in a £6.5million deal from Manchester United, kept 22 clean sheets in the Championship last season for Aston Villa and is expected to be first choice. But Bond is ready to push him all the way.
“Sam’s a good goalkeeper and I am here to challenge as best I can,” he said. “I’ve had experience of my own in the Championship before.
“I know I can play at this level and I feel comfortable at this level.
“It’s about getting in the team and getting game time. I got that last season but I want to get it at a high level.
“Sam had a good season last season, he’s proved he is capable at this level. It’s exciting to work with that kind of quality.”
Albion have significantly refreshed their goalkeeping options this summer, having sold or released two keepers aged 35 and signed two replacements aged 25.
Johnstone and Bond played alongside each other in past England youth teams.
“Sam and I have always got on well to be fair, we’ve had a good relationship before,” added Bond.
“We’ve known each other from England U21s and it’s always nice to know someone when you’re coming into a new club.
“The goalkeepers spend most of the day with each other anyway so that has made it very easy for me.
“We’re going to look forward to working together throughout the season.
“Neil Cutler heads up the department and there’s a good atmosphere, as well as a high standard, within the group.”
Cutler is keen to sign another keeper this window and talks are currently underway with Sheffield United over Simon Moore.
But whatever role Bond plays over the next year, he’s eager to help Albion bounce straight back up.
“It’s a big club, it’s a Premier League club, we’ve got to concentrate on getting ourselves back up there,” he said.
“It’s nice to sign for such a big club, the facilities are great and it’s a great platform to perform off.
“It’s exciting for myself, the Championship is a tough league but it’s an exciting season ahead.”
Academy keeper Alex Palmer will be sent out on loan to a Football League club.
