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Craig Dawson speaks on his transfer request

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West Brom defender Craig Dawson today broke his silence on his summer transfer request and insisted he was never unhappy at the Hawthorns.

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Dawson signed a new three-year contract with the Baggies yesterday just three months after stunning the club by asking to leave amid interest from Premier League new-boys Burnley.

But the 24-year-old, who has started all of Albion's Premier League games this season, insisted his decision was simply about ensuring regular starts.

"I had got to that point where I needed to be playing football week in, week out," said Dawson, speaking for the first time about his decision to demand a move.

"I have now got the opportunity after a few injuries in pre-season but the gaffer has put a lot of work in on the training ground with me and his staff have worked hard and he's given me the opportunity to play every week.

"I am playing games and enjoying it, training has been good and the squad has a good feel to it.

"So staying was a decision that was easy to make once I was playing games.

"Even before the last three good results the spirit in the squad was good and it's a good environment to work in and develop in.

"I feel like I have improved because of it.

"Just playing football is what you're here to and if you work hard in the week and don't get the reward of walking out on a Saturday it is difficult.

"So to get the opportunity to play is important."

Dawson looked set to join the Clarets after making clear his intention to leave, but the Turf Moor club had three bids rejected and, after teaming up with Joleon Lescott in central defence in back-to-back Premier League wins, the ex-Rochdale man penned a new deal yesterday.