Joleon Lescott hails impact of Wolves legend
Supporters' player-of-the-season Joleon Lescott has revealed how a ringing endorsement from Wolves legend Steve Bull convinced him he could be a hit at Albion.
Former Molineux defender Lescott, who was crowned player-of-the-season by the West Bromwich Albion Supporters' Club last night, says a video interview Bull gave to the Express & Star website eased his nerves about crossing the Black Country divide.
Lescott picked up the top award at the supporters' club's annual dinner last night after an impressive first season at The Hawthorns, having moved from Manchester City on a free transfer last summer.
It represented a show of approval from Baggies fans despite the 32-year-old making 235 appearances for their fierce rivals at the start of his career.
In the interview, recorded last June, Wolves' record goalscorer hailed Lescott as a 'world class' signing for Albion.
"I'm pleased," said Lescott. "I feel I've had a fair level of consistency throughout the season.
"There have been occasions in games when it hasn't gone to plan but I feel the consistency has been pretty much there.
"I remember when I signed I watched an interview with Steve Bull.
"I can't remember the headlines but I thought 'oh no, what's he said?'
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I dont tend to watch or read much but I thought Im going to watch it because I know Steve quite well and I was interested in what hed got to say.
"He said he thought I was going to do well, and for a Wolves legend who had played here to say those things was nice and I thought 'right, I'm going to back myself and work hard – probably harder than I have done in any previous year – because there was a lot of expectation."
Lescott has made 36 appearances for the Baggies this season at both centre-half and left-back, playing a crucial role in the improved form under Tony Pulis, despite injury delaying his debut until the victory at Tottenham on September 21.
"Getting injured wasn't great, and then I think it might have helped that the first game was away because results weren't great at the time," he said.
"But I went in there at Tottenham and did well.
"I had worked with the lads so they knew I wasn't coming here to hinder their plans.
"They knew I was coming here to help and from my first training session I was part of the team straight away and they made me feel welcome."
