Richard Stearman admits he wasn’t looking for a fresh challenge this summer but is not going to shy away from the one he has been handed at Fulham.

The enthusiastic defender completed a £2million deadline day move from Wolves last week and is in line to make his first appearances for the Whites on Sunday against Blackburn Rovers.

Stearman was named Wolves' player of the year last season by the club's fans and players but was allowed to leave Molineux by manager Kenny Jackett.

Such was the supporters’ affection for the 28-year-old, an online poll showed more than 80 per cent of the Molineux faithful wanted the centre-back to stay; a fact which brings a smile to Stearman’s face.

Richard Stearman's 2014-15 season with Wolves

Appearances

45

Bookings

11

Soccerbase

He said: “It’s nice to hear and I’d rather it was that way round than 80 per cent telling me to go! I had a great affinity with my last team and something I want to replicate here.

“I know I’ve got to earn that respect through my performances but it’s something I’m looking to achieve here.

“I was playing a lot and playing well so I didn’t particularly want out for a new challenge, but I have one now and I’m really looking forward to it and getting going now.

“There’s been a big recruitment drive for experienced Championship players and I fall into that category. It’s a division that I’ve won before and I want to do something similar again.

Wolves' Kortney Hause and Richard Stearman battle with QPR's Massimo Luongo
Clash: Wolves' Kortney Hause and Stearman battle with QPR's Massimo Luongo

“I’ve been very pleased with the way I’ve performed over the last couple of years. I picked up a couple of player of the year awards last season and I want to try and repeat that.

“I was at my last club for a long time and my first club for a long time. It’s not something I want to do, keep moving about, so the longer I’m here the better.”

Tickets for the Blackburn Rovers game, priced from £25 adults and £15 for juniors are now on general sale.

Call the Fulham ticket office on: 0843 208 1234 or go online at: www.fulhamfc.com/tickets

poll loading

Which team has done the best business this winter?