This article is part of Football League World's 'Regular Punter' series, where we gather original opinions from select, passionate fans of the clubs concerned on matters surrounding their team and share them with a wider audience...

Football League World's West Brom fan pundit Sarah Rudge has praised manager Slaven Bilic for the impact he has had on the players this season.

The comments came after it had emerged that Bilic himself had managed to persuade midfielder Rekeem Harper to sign a new deal, despite looking destined to leave the Hawthorns in the summer

"Bilic has a really good relationship with the players, emphasised by Harper signing a contract extension when he looked to be heading to Celtic or Tottenham," the regular punter told Football League World.

"[Grady] Diangana also had interest from Derby but Bilic persuaded him to come to the Hawthorns.

"The experience and CV that Bilic has definitely seems to attract the players he wants and they all clearly respect him."

Last season saw Harper burst onto the scene for the Baggies, racking-up 16 appearances, one goal and one assist, becoming the latest youth product to make his mark on the first-team.

[ad_pod ]

However, it became more and more apparent that the 19-year-old would not be signing a new contract and it was not until after his deal had expired that Bilic finally persuaded him to stay.

But with a settled midfield growing more impressive by the week, Rudge is unsure that many first-team opportunities will come his way any time soon.

"For the last few games of last season he seemed lethargic, disinterested and not quite match-sharp," she said.

"But it's hard to be too critical just five games in.

"With Livermore, Sawyers and Krovinovic impressing its been difficult for Harper to force his way in but injuries or a loss of form may come at some point in the season and it's up to Harper to take his chance."