Why Tom Fellows left West Brom to join Southampton - He's revealed clear reasons | OneFootball

Tom Fellows made the switch from West Brom to Southampton late in the summer transfer window

Tom Fellows has explained why he made the switch from West Brom to Southampton this summer.

The winger made the move in a deal worth a reported £10 million, with the Saints hoping he can help the club gain promotion back to the Premier League.

The 22-year-old had been linked with a possible transfer to Everton, but instead he remained within the Championship.

Fellows made the move late in the window, and only made his debut for the Hampshire outfit last weekend in the team’s 0-0 draw against bitter rivals Portsmouth at St. Mary’s.

Will Still will be keen to see him replicate his performance levels from West Brom, as he targets a top two finish in the Championship with Southampton this season.

The Saints have endured a somewhat-underwhelming start to the campaign, although late-window arrivals such as Fellows, Finn Azaz and Leo Scienza should all help to direct Still's side towards promotion contention.

Tom Fellows explains why he left West Brom for Southampton

Fellows highlighted the Premier League aspirations of Southampton for why he was convinced to join the project being built at St. Mary’s.

He is excited by their ambition, and he is now looking forward to getting more games under his belt after last weekend’s debut.

"Look at Southampton, they're such a big club and have aspirations not just to be a Premier League club, but to stay in the Premier League,” said Fellows, via the Daily Echo.

"They want to try and cement themselves in that division, so when they talk to you about it, you know it's pretty clear and they have good ambitions.

"It made me want to join them and, yeah, I'm glad I did.

“I'm enjoying it so far and now I can't wait to sort of play some more games, really.”

Fellows added that it was strange being involved with a new club after only being associated with West Brom, but that he has been made to feel very welcome: "At first it was a little bit weird [wearing a new club's badge], but everyone's just so nice and the staff look after all the lads and all the staff.

"The catering team, everyone.

“There's a big group of staff here and they've all made me feel really welcome, and I think I speak for all the new lads.

"Tressa [Byrne, player care team] looks after us so well, if you text her anything she's straight on it and she's helping us look for apartments.

"People like that make settling a bit quicker, and everyone's so nice, so I've really enjoyed it — I felt like I've been here longer because I am comfortable."

Southampton have had a mixed start to the new campaign, having only won one of their opening five fixtures.

This has left the Saints sitting 15th in the Championship table, with six points from a possible 15 earned so far.

The team have failed to win in any of their last four in the league, with their only victory coming in dramatic fashion on the opening day against Wrexham.

Next up for Still’s side is a trip to face Hull City on 20 September in a 3pm kick-off.

Tom Fellows signing is exciting for Southampton

Fellows’ comments indicate that Southampton still have quite a strong reputation within the game despite a difficult last couple of years.

Their disappointing return to the top flight saw them handily finish bottom of the table, earning only 12 points from the entire campaign.

But Fellows is confident in the future of the Saints, and his comments indicate that the club are optimistic of their chances of cementing their place back in the top flight.