Express & Star

Victor Anichebe: Give Ideye Brown some time

Published
Last updated

Fans have been warned not to expect too much straight away from West Brom's record £10million striker Ideye Brown.

more

Fellow countryman Victor Anichebe has said the new Baggies signing will need time to settle in to the club and the Premier League.

And he has urged supporters to 'forget the price tag' and not put too much pressure on the Nigerian international goal scorer.

Anichebe, a close friend of Ideye since their days as youths with Nigeria, said: "I don't think the fans should expect too much, too soon from him.

"They should forget about the price tag. The club pays what they want to pay for players. That's not down to the player.

"I know he's a really good player but the fans need to give him time to adapt, just as it's taken me time to adapt."

He added: "We can play together, or he may play instead of me or vice versa. The main thing is that we're a team and hopefully we'll bring in more new faces.

"On a personal note, I'm really happy for him. He will need time to settle in but if the fans remain patient, I'm sure he will do well."

Anichebe said he had heard rumours that his friend was going to join the Baggies over the past few days, but Ideye told him to keep it quiet as he did not want to jinx the move.

He is also looking forward to potentially linking up with his new teammate on the pitch, as he believes their differing styles could reap dividends.

He said: "Everyone knows the way I play, but to have someone who can make powerful runs in behind, that'll be great for us.

"He can adapt to different ways of playing and flexibility is always good.

"Judging from what the gaffer said, I think he sees Brown as someone who can run in behind and that's something that we do really need.

"Saido [Berahino] offers that, as did Vyds [Matej Vydra] last season, and all teams need it.

"Brown coming here means we will have different ways to play and if we can bring in a couple more quality players like this, I'm sure this season will be a lot better than last season."