Jack Fitzwater signs two-year contract with West Brom

The 20-year-old centre-back impressed on loan at Forest Green Rovers and Walsall last season, stepping up from League Two to League One in expert fashion.

It is now hoped the youngster will be ready to challenge for a starting place in the Baggies back-line next season during the club's first season in the Championship after eight years in the top tier.

"I'm really excited that it's all sorted and I can look forward to next season," said Fitzwater, who had been out of contract this summer.

"I've always said that I want to be at this club. I've been here since I was seven and this is where I want to make it.

"Hopefully this is the time for me to break into the first team and push into the starting eleven."

Fitzwater was one of Walsall's best performers during the second half of last season and scored three crucial goals in his 15 games, while helping the Saddlers keep five clean sheets en route to League One safety.

Walsall are interested in taking Fitzwater on loan again next season, but as it stands, head coach Darren Moore wants the youngster in his first-team squad.

Moore has promoted James Shan to first team coach and handed the former under-23s boss the task of integrating more of Albion's youngsters into the senior squad.

And Fitzwater is delighted he will be working with Shan again next season.

"Jimmy's been here as long as I have!" said Fitzwater. "I've been with him and Mooro all the way through the academy.

"The three of us have a really positive working relationship and I'm excited to continue working with them."

Albion have promoted last season's under-18s boss Jamie Smith to the role of under-23's head coach to fill the gap left by Shan's promotion.

The club's under-16's coach Michael Scott will now take charge of the under-18s.

Meanwhile, the Baggies have confirmed that season ticket sales are on course to beat last year's figures with more than 15,000 sold already.

Season tickets go on sale to new customers on Monday.