With West Bromwich Albion Technical Director Luke Dowling admitting previously that the door wasn’t closed on a few players who were naturally out of contract this summer and that a final decision would be made by our new head coach – now known to be Slaven Bilic – it’s been suggested this week that the former Croatia international gaffer might fancy keeping Gareth Barry on for the coming 2019/20 Championship campaign.
The 38-year-old hugely experienced midfielder continues to train with the club as he overcomes his knee surgery ahead of the coming campaign and the E&S have suggested that Bilic wants to take a closer look at him, with Barry already stating that he’d like to do one more season before truly deciding whether to hang his boots up.
They quote Dowling as saying about the former England man.
“He had an operation at the end of the season, we missed him at certain times. We’ve shown him that care and let him do his rehab. I’ve seen many situations when a player starts his rehab and the manager thinks ‘I’ll have a little look at him actually!’ That’s the situation we’re in.”
I doubt there will be a rush here given he’s in training and Bilic can take his time in coming to a decision, but it does look as if James Morrison and Boaz Myhill will definitely move on as the E&S say they haven’t been invited in to take part by the gaffer.
Fans who took to social media think a one year deal for his experience and leadership would certainly be a good idea and it’s difficult to fault those thoughts really, as I wouldn’t expect him to play every game.
Give him a one year deal. Vital experience and leadership we need.
— John (@Johntur01) June 26, 2019
If he gets another deal then sell Sam Field. No point in keeping the lad around if he can't shift an injury prone 38 year old from the starting eleven.
— Baggies Burger (@BaggiesBurger) June 26, 2019
I think he has a year more in him if he recovers well – he would definitely be an asset for the younger midfielders' development.
— Conrad Chircop (@conradchircop) June 26, 2019
Great news
— Michael Barnes (@Michael65101368) June 26, 2019
So he should
— dylan ashmore (@WBADyl) June 26, 2019
One year deal or pay as you play hopefully
— Nick (@Nickwba25) June 26, 2019
Sign him up ????⚪
— ???????????????????? (@DannyWBAFC) June 26, 2019
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