Jason Jarrett refuses to let thoughts of what might have been stand in the way of rebuilding his career.

Albion’s new 13-club midfielder has led a nomadic existence since a memorable period of success with Wigan.

He helped Paul Jewell’s Latics to two promotions and was on the verge of playing in the Premier League when he turned his back on them.

“They offered me a new three-year contract and we just couldn’t agree terms,” Jarrett said.

“Norwich had been in the Premier League and had just been relegated. They are a big club and I took the opportunity to go there.

“It is no secret that the last three or four years have been a frustrating time for me but I can either sulk about it and wonder what could have been or get on with it and make things right.

“It has been frustrating since I left Wigan but I’ve got to stick by my decision. I could have stayed and broken my leg after one game and never played again.”

Now the philosophical Jarrett has the opportunity to resurrect his career with Albion. It is early days but the 29-year-old, signed for the rest of the season after cancelling his contract with Preston by mutual consent, has made an encouraging start.

He made his debut in the goalless draw at leaders Leicester, one of those 13 clubs he has represented.

That was followed by Albion’s first home win since November on his first home start against Hartlepool last Saturday.

“I can play a lot better than I have been,” he said. “I think I’ve done all right but I’m not 100 per cent fit yet. I’ve had two games in nine months, so I am not sharp enough, but that will come over the next few weeks.

“We didn’t even have reserve games at Preston so I was thrown straight in. It was like a baptism of fire but I am going to get better.

“The main thing is the sharpness and the decision-making. I would say I am 70 per cent fit but I am naturally fit anyway and that got me through the first couple of games. I am only going to get stronger and fitter.”

Jarrett was the second of half-a-dozen new signings made by Albion during the January transfer window.

He had an idea of what to expect, having consulted former Hull team-mate David Livermore before he signed, but the scale and quality of the transfer activity has been a pleasant surprise.

“I wasn’t expecting six players to come in,” Jarrett admitted. “It shows the club are backing the manager and that is exciting as well.

“They are good players. Obviously this season our main aim is to stay up and then next season really push on.”

Jarrett could help Albion do just that by becoming the goalscoring midfielder they have lacked in central midfield since former captain Dean Hammond left for Colchester and Bradley Johnson returned to Leeds.

“I am not renowned for scoring goals through my career but the more mature I become I am realising I should gamble more and take more chances,” he said.

“I have done that in the two games so far and I was a little bit unlucky on a couple of occasions.

“It was important to win the Hartlepool game. It’s always good when you come to a new club to get a win under your belt.

“We know we are still in a relegation scrap and the quicker we get away from that and into mid-table the better.”