Chris Mepham chuffed to show West Brom his true self after 'disappointed' claim
The central defender, in his second season at The Hawthorns, is an example of a player who has really kicked on this term under James Morrison and his staff.
Albion’s Chris Mepham is relishing the opportunity to show the club his true self with a fine run of form this season.
Wales international star Mepham is enjoying his most consistent period in the side since a switch from Bournemouth for around £1million in the summer of 2025.
The experienced Mepham, who turned 29 last week, admitted he was “really disappointed” with his form in a sub-par debut campaign in a woeful Baggies season last term.
He picked up a serious hamstring injury in February but even after returning to fitness was overlooked by James Morrison, who was then caretaker boss. Morrison has since praised the way Mepham returned for pre-season and, after starting this season on the bench, the centre-back has grasped his opportunity and not looked back.
"Certainly the conversation I had with the manager when I came back for pre-season - I think he felt I was in a really good place,” Mepham said.
"I think I made a statement which I stood by, that no-one has seen the best of me.
"I'm the first one to hold my hands up. I'm always over-critical of myself, but I was really disappointed with my season last season.
"I know I've got so much more to give. I think this run of games has given me an opportunity to showcase that on a consistent level and I feel in a really good place.
"It's obviously a massive responsibility having the armband in games where George (Campbell) isn't playing. It's a statement from the manager, that I'm going to be the one he leans on and relies in the moment. I'd like to think I'm rewarding him with performances.”
Boss Morrison’s opinion of Mepham was clear as the central defender was handed the captain’s armband when Campbell limped off against Southampton at half-time last week.
The Welshman retained the leadership responsibility for the fine 3-0 win over Millwall for the in-form Baggies on Saturday.
Mepham has started the last seven games for the side, as well as eight of the last nine and only came out for the disappointing defeat at Wolves.
He has caught the eye of the head coach and supporters with solid defensive displays but also a stylish handling of the ball in a Morrison team that builds from the back.
"I have to say there's more to come, but I feel in a really good place,” the vice-captain added.
"Playing on the right side has allowed me to show my attributes on the ball, whereas for most of last season I was playing on the left.
"Tweaks like that might seem small but allow you to express yourself more. I'd like to think there is more to come and as long as the team keeps performing and picking up results I'll be buzzing.”
Mepham could add to his 57 Wales caps with this week’s Nations League double-header against Norway, on Saturday, and at home to Portugal next Tuesday.
He could face off against Hawthorns colleague Felix Horn Myhre in the former.
A niggling muscle injury for skipper Campbell allowed Nat Phillips back into the fold last week and Phillips and Mepham impressed for Saturday’s clean sheet.
"He's probably been a bit disappointed coming out of the team,” Mepham said of his defensive colleague, former Liverpool man Phillips.
"I've been on the sidelines at the start of the season and I thought his performances were really good and strong. We've got tons of respect for each other. No matter who the partnership, we've got our own individual qualities.”