Carlos Corberan snubs David Button as West Brom exit questions raised
Goalkeeper David Button has been snubbed by Carlos Corberan in West Brom’s last two pre-season friendlies leaving his future at the club in question, according to the Express and Star.
The newspaper reported (19 July) that the out-of-form shot-stopper was available for selection in the Baggies’ matches against League 2 sides Salford and Cheltenham Town after slipping to Corberan’s third-choice last season.
This has fueled speculation about the 34-year-old’s future at the Hawthorns, with West Brom looking to reduce their wage bill and trim their squad of players not in the manager’s plans.
The time has come
After three years at the club, perhaps now is the time for Button to move on.
West Brom never settled on a starting goalkeeper last season, with Button, Alex Palmer and Josh Griffiths all earning double-figure appearances in the Championship.
However, if Button isn’t even getting into pre-season matches against lower opposition, it shows that his West Brom expiration date has passed and Corberan will likely use Palmer despite his injury concern from last season [West Brom].
Button himself has not been in the finest of form when he has come into the side, with a few notable errors that may prove costly to his Baggies career.
What would be next for Button? He has been something of a journeyman throughout his career. While at Tottenham, he went in 13 loan spells to 12 different clubs, so he is used to a change of scenery.
His permanent clubs before the Baggies included Brighton and Brentford, so he will likely back himself to remain in the Championship should he leave, even as another backup. His experience will be valued by many clubs and he could certainly make an impact in the dressing room.
However, Corberan reportedly does not see him in his plans for next season which is odd considering he renewed his contract in May this year.
Upon his contract extension, Button admitted he had not played as much as he’d like [West Brom], so perhaps a new venture away from the Hawthorns is ideal for both parties.
In other West Brom news, Nathaniel Chalobah is reportedly set to move away from the Hawthorns to a Champions League side.