Thomas learns red card lesson
Jerome Thomas is already counting down the days to his Baggies return against Reading after vowing there will be no repeat of his red card shame.
The Albion winger has been full of remorse for the loss of discipline in his clash with Arsenal star Jack Wilshere during last month's Carling Cup defeat which triggered the first sending-off of his career and a three-game ban.
Coincidence or not, Albion collected just one point from those matches and Thomas admits he is itching to make amends.
"It's all been a new experience for me as it was the first red card of my career," said the wideman. "It's all part and parcel of the game and I'm still learning.
"I didn't know what to do with myself. I apologised to all the players after the Arsenal game and said sorry to all the staff. I let the players and the team down and, with the results going the way they have since, it just made me feel even worse.
"I don't see myself having that problem again in the future. I just had to take it on the chin. I've been working hard with the physios and fitness coach to make sure I stay fit and sharp and I'll be ready for Reading."
The 26-year-old is desperate to establish himself at The Hawthorns after a nomadic career in which he has fought to fulfil his outstanding promise as a teenager.
Injuries at key times have contributed to career stats which show he has never made more than 21 league starts in a season and Thomas sees his Albion opportunity as a prime chance to make a more consistent contribution. "I've come here to bring something to the team and I was doing that when I was playing," he added.
"I've watched the games while I've been suspended and it's no secret we've lacked a bit of creativity to get in behind teams.
"I think that's maybe why we've dropped a few points in the last three games and yet we're still in the position we're in. That's the Championship for you. I've played in it before and I've seen it before.
"That's how it's going to be throughout the whole season and I don't see anyone running away with it. There is a pack chasing us but that's good because it stops us getting complacent – we know we have to win against Reading."
