Andy Johnson wants new Erik Pieters deal at West Brom after what was confirmed in May
Erik Pieters being offered a new contract by West Brom was a “no-brainer”, according to former Baggies midfielder Andy Johnson.
Veteran defender Pieters was the only out-of-contract senior player to be offered a new deal by boss Carlos Corberan when West Brom announced their retained list on 23 May, with Jake Livermore, Tom Rogic and Kean Bryan all released.
The 34-year-old made 36 Championship appearances after joining as a free agent last Saturday and Johnson is happy to see Pieters offered a new deal.
“Yes I do (think it’s the right call), he’s played the majority of the season, he was a free transfer, you’ve got to say that’s a success story,” Johnson said in quotes reported by the Express & Star.
“I think he’s done really well, I like him, he’s a no-nonsense defender and he’s versatile, can play in a back three or a central two, left-sided so gives us balance.
“As we all know as we get older your legs go a little bit. In a foot race he might lack a bit but his experience usually puts him in a position where he doesn’t get done, because he reads the game really well.
“For me it was an absolute no-brainer, he’s given everything and earned that, one of the players who has actually given everything on the pitch.”
Experienced Pieters still has something to offer
With the financial difficulties West Brom are experiencing off the pitch, coupled with a reduction in the parachute payments they will receive from the Premier League, the upcoming months are fraught with danger for the Baggies.
Some of the club’s big hitters may be sold to raise funds and Corberan may have to start blooding the Baggies’ younger talent next term.
Which means it is all the more worthwhile to have an experienced head like Pieters, who has previously represented Stoke City and Burnley, around the place next term.
At 34, it does not take a genius to figure out Pieters is in the twilight of his career but his experience is likely to prove invaluable next season when the Baggies will have to box clever in the transfer market.
Had Corberan been successful in guiding West Brom to the Premier League, it would have been a very different conversation to be had. But for the Championship, Pieters still has something to offer.
In other West Brom news, Carlton Palmer gave his reaction to the Baggies being linked to Blackpool striker Jerry Yates.