Europe? It hasn't sunk in yet!

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Jason Steele on a hectic end to the season and how a great dressing-room atmosphere helped Albion achieve their target.

Bruce Talbot

2023-06-04T05:00:00Z

Jason Steele is delighted after Albion secured European football with victory over Southampton.

Jason Steele admits Albion’s qualification for the Europa League is taking some getting used to!

Steele played an important role in the second half of the season after breaking into the team in February, making 15 Premier League appearances and keeping six clean sheets as Albion finished in a record-breaking sixth position and achieving European football for the first time in the club’s history.

“European football? To be honest it hasn’t really sunk in yet!,” said the 32-year-old who signed a contract until 2025 in January.

“We had such a difficult end to the season with all the games but the guys in the dressing room, wow! They dug so deep and were running on fumes at the end but that’s the group we are - we never gave up, we never stopped and we bounced back when we face adversity.

Jason Steele made some crucial saves after breaking into the team in February.

“This group is incredible, we’ve got such a mix of individuals and personalities from different parts of the world but we have come together working under a fantastic coach and staff. Everyone said we had games in hand for the run-in but it’s not that easy when you’ve only got 14 or 15 lads that were fully fit. We had to dig in.

“But these achievements – breaking records for the club – are what you play for. We’ve got to try and live in the moment because it doesn’t happen very often, and we have to enjoy it. What we have achieved is phenomenal and we have to try and carry it on next season.

“We’ve had some unbelievable nights and results this season and now there is European football to look forward to. As players we’re excited about that and I’m sure the fans, who have been unbelievable this season, are as well.

“It’s been a long season that’s been emotionally and physically draining. We’ll enjoy the break, but it won’t be long before we’re back preparing for what we hope will be another fantastic season.”