Exclusive: Kevin Phillips tips West Brom to release experienced defender
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips does not see West Brom offering a new contract to Lee Peltier with the defender’s current deal set to expire in the summer.
Albion signed Peltier, 33, on a short-term basis from Cardiff in the January transfer window as Slaven Bilic aimed to add more cover to his options at right-back.
However, since swapping South Wales for the West Midlands, Peltier has failed to make a single appearance for the Baggies and hasn’t even featured in Bilic’s squad in the Championship.
With the experienced right-back’s contract edging closer towards its expiry date, Phillips has claimed that West Brom will most likely release the former Cardiff player.
When asked if he sees Peltier being released in the summer, Phillips told West Brom News: “Yes, I do. It’s nothing against the player, he was just brought in as cover.
“Lee’s been around a long time now so my personal opinion would be that I don’t think they would offer a new contract or offer him another year.
“I would suggest that the club will use whatever he’s been earning to put towards bringing in other players that have got a chance of playing next season or at least challenging [to get into the side].
It wouldn’t be a shock if West Brom released Peltier.
He was signed to be an extra right-back option for Bilic but since his arrival, youngster Dara O’Shea has proven his worth in that role with Darnell Furlong being dropped to the bench.
Peltier has therefore become the third-choice right-back at The Hawthorns, even though he made 25 appearances for Cardiff in the first half of the season.
In other West Brom news, Albion’s turnover plunged by £54million after relegation.