KOUMAS CHARMED BY HUTCHINGS VISION

Jason Koumas took an instant liking to new Wigan manager Chris Hutchings and sealed a four-year deal with little hesitation.

The 27-year-old Wales playmaker will have first training session on Wednesday after completing his £5.3million move from West Brom.

Koumas believes at his age he needs to be playing in the Premier League, not the Championship so was a willing convert to the Hutchings cause.

Koumas said: "After our first meeting I knew he was the man I wanted to play for.

"He has his own ideas and I was impressed with how he plans to set up his team.

"It is a great challenge being back in the Premiership.

"When you get to my age you want to test yourself against the better players and teams.

"I am confident in my own ability and have nothing to prove. I am looking forward to showing what I can do.

"Wherever I have been settled and wherever I have played games I have done well."

The transfer fee includes a guaranteed payment of £4.6million with a further £500,000 due on appearances.

Albion would also receive another £200,000 if Wigan either retain their top-flight status next term or get back up while Koumas remains their player.

Not only is Koumas pleased to be getting a return ticket to the top flight, he believes the short trip to training will be to his benefit as well.

He said: "It is nice to be back at home as it used to take me two hours to get to Birmingham.

"Now I can get to the training ground in 30 minutes and that is a big thing for me.

"This is a great stage to play on and I am determined to work hard for the club."

Koumas is Hutchings' fifth signing of the summer.

After taking over from Paul Jewell who quit at the end of last season, he has brought in Titus Bramble, Mario Melchiot, Antoine Sibierski and Carlo Nash.

Hutchings believes the supporters will warm to Koumas.

"He will give the fans something to shout about as he is an exciting player, " said the Wigan boss.

"You need creativity at the top level and Jason will bring that in abundance.

"I have followed his progress since he was at Tranmere. He has great ability and great vision.

"I want him to take us on to another level and he can do that."

Koumas made 141 appearances for Albion, including 21 as a substitute, and scored 23 times.

Manager Tony Mowbray added: "I would like to wish Jason well and thank him for his contribution last season.

"He is a wonderful talent and this is a fantastic opportunity for him."

Taken From =football365=