AJ's message to fans

It is with great disappointment that I felt compelled to submit a formal transfer request to the board of West Bromwich Albion Football Club yesterday afternoon.

Due to the fact that this has now been reported on the clubs website, I felt an obligation to our fans to give an explanation.

When I arrived at West Bromwich Albion from Nottingham Forest last season, I agreed to accept a considerable pay reduction on the understanding that if the club achieved promotion, my contract would be renegotiated and brought in line with Premiership level salaries. The contract offer that the club have made to me is derisory.

It is important to me that the fans of West Bromwich Albion, who are the most important people, realise that this is not a case of a player squeezing a club dry for every last penny, but whilst in the Premiership being treated in a fair and equitable way.

I believe that I am currently playing some of the best football of my career, and was one of the main components of our success last season. The manager has also confirmed that he regards me as a part of his first choice eleven.

The fans need to know that I do not want to leave West Bromwich Albion, I have developed an extremely strong bond with the supporters that I was hoping would continue in the Premier League this season.

Whatever transpires, I will continue to give 100% commitment to this great club, and hope the fans will support me in what I believe to a fair grievance.

Andy Johnson