Jeremy Peace: West Brom will not sell Saido
Chairman Jeremy Peace insists West Brom have no intention of selling Saido Berahino - as he hailed the striker's attitude since the arrival of boss Tony Pulis.
In a statement posted on the club's website this afternoon, Peace also praised the 21-year-old's recent performances and his reaction to his off-the-field troubles.
Berahino last week pleaded guilty to a charge of drink driving and was banned from the road for a year, while also being fined £3,400.
But Peace believes the signs are the striker is heading in the right direction again, saying: "I think we are all relieved that we can now draw a line under this episode.
"The club takes seriously the charges to which Saido pleaded guilty and, as a result, he will be subject to the club's disciplinary procedures.
"This unfortunate episode has been unsettling for the club generally and Saido specifically.
"What has been pleasing for everyone around the club has been the clear sign that Saido has responded positively to the arrival of Tony Pulis and a new coaching team.
"He's displaying clear signs of showing that where it matters most – on the pitch.
"Tony has certainly been delighted with him and it is heartening for everyone to see a young man moving forward in the right direction again."
Berahino bagged a hat-trick in Albion's 7-0 rout of the Gateshead in the FA Cup and also got the only goal in the 1-0 Premier League triumph over Hull.
WIth 14 goals to his name in all competitions, the Burundi-born hitman has constantly been linked with moves away from the Hawthorns.
But Peace has sought to re-clarify the club's position and insist they have no intention of letting him go.
He said: "I said in the autumn that the club had no interest in selling Saido and that remains the case.
"Unless Tony decides otherwise, the view will surely be that he is far too important to us to consider trading.
"His goals are capable of keeping us in the Premier League and would be hugely difficult to replace.
"I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify the position and the club's thinking to our supporters now that Saido can put this unhappy chapter behind him.
Peace added: "Saido has been here from a very young age and he must realise how everyone at West Bromwich Albion has nothing but his best interests at heart.
"We have always looked after him and we are all genuinely pleased to see such encouraging signs that he is back on track."
