THOMAS Gaardsoe completed his move to West Bromwich Albion last night with the thanks and best wishes of the manager and supporters ringing in his ears.

THOMAS Gaardsoe completed his move to West Bromwich Albion last night with the thanks and best wishes of the manager and supporters ringing in his ears, writes Derek Davis.

The Dane moves to the Hawthorns after Town accepted £500,000 from the Baggies, which could rise to above £600,000 with add-ons.

The former Danish Under-21 international felt eased out after the arrival of Drissa Diallo and Georges Santos pushed him down the pecking order at Portman Road.

But Blues boss Joe Royle had nothing but praise for the youngster. He said: "With three new signings, two defenders, we had to redress the balance a little and that is one reason why Thomas has gone.

"It was not just a financial decision. I told Thomas I could not guarantee him a place this year and although he did well for us as a third centre-back we were going to a back four.

"We don't have a leper colony here for players who don't go when we have agreed a price but he wasn't sure of a place in the starting team and I'm sure that was instrumental in his decision.

"I like him immensely and he was very popular in the dressing room and I thank him for giving his all to us but football is a transient business and he has now gone.

"He is a talented boy and I'm sure he will gone on with his football education he will be missed. We wish him all the best."

Promotion favourites Albion have also signed Macedonia skipper Artim Sakiri, the striker who embarrassed David Seaman in a recent European Champions qualifier, after he was successful in getting a work permit.

Gary Megson has also added Rob Hulse, James O'Connor and Bernt Haas to his squad this summer.