The eagerly anticipated departure of Jason Koumas from West Bromwich Albion was finally confirmed yesterday to audible sighs of relief from everyone involved.

Koumas completed his season-long loan move to Cardiff City, thus bringing down the curtain down on a miserable 12 months that had seen him fall out with two managers and slip from leading light to bit-part player in the time it takes to say 'You couldn't work a bit harder could you Jason?'

The 25-year-old was in rather more conciliatory mood than he had been earlier in the week as he moved on from recounting his Albion 'nightmare' to begin a charm offensive aimed at endearing himself to his new Welsh public and his international manager, John Toshack.

"It's a good opportunity for me," Koumas said. "I wasn't happy with my form towards the end of last season and was in and out of the team.

"I need to be playing every week if I am to stay in the international set-up and with the game against England coming up, this gives me a platform to show John Toshack that I am still worth a place in the side."

The Wrexham-born midfielder added: "I am also looking forward to going back to Wales to play in Cardiff," he continued. "It is very exciting to be playing in front of Welsh fans every week and the Cardiff supporters are known for their passion for the game.

"They have made a number of signings already and I know the manager is looking to add to the squad further before the start of the season. It is going to be an exciting season and I am looking forward to being a part of it."

Koumas' new manager, former Wolves boss Dave Jones, was happy to focus on the positives and unquestionably gifted player can bring to his team.

"Jason is another piece in the jigsaw," Jones said. "We said we would bring in players to strengthen the squad in the close season. Jason putting pen to paper shows once again our commitment to the promise of bringing in new faces to Ninian Park."

Cardiff have already signed Jeff Whitley, Neil Cox, Glenn Loovens, Jermaine Darlington and Andreas Ferretti this summer as Jones prepares for his first season in charge at Ninian Park.

While it is still possible that Koumas could still return to The Hawthorns, with Albion's retention of the right to recall him during the transfer window, that is unlikely given Robson's problems with the player and the fact that the Bluebirds have the right to buy him for £1.5 million.

In all likelihood that means Koumas has played his last game for Albion, three years after his impressive performances in the centre of Tranmere's midfield earned him a £2.25 million move to the Baggies.

After relegation, Koumas was part of the Albion team to gain promotion back to the top flight. But he only appeared ten times last season.

One man whose Albion future is very bright is new signing Diomansy Kamara who yesterday spoke of his desperation to prove his Premiership class.

The Senegal international, who signed a three-year deal on Tuesday, had an unsettled first season in England's top flight with Portsmouth as the south coast club twice changed managers.

But he still scored four goals in only 15 league starts and is determined to resurrect his career at The Hawthorns after turning down the chance to link up with his former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp at Southampton.

"I am very, very pleased to join West Brom," said Kamara. Coincidentally it was his appearance at The Hawthorns in the last match of the previous campaign, which Albion won 2-0 to secure a dramatic last day Premiership survival, that helped make his mind up.

"I was impressed with the atmosphere at West Brom, especially when I played here on the final day of last season," insisted Kamara.

" Most of all I was impressed with Bryan Robson and the chairman because they were very keen to bring me to The Hawthorns.

"I know how hard the manager worked last season to keep West Brom's Premiership status. I'm just looking forward to showing my talents and hopefully the goals will come to help establish West Brom as a Premiership club."

Meanwhile Neil Clement could face a three game ban following his dismissal against Sporting Lisbon on Monday night.