Don Goodman reacts to confirmed West Brom player exit after play-off loss
Don Goodman can fully understand why West Brom took the decision not to offer Erik Pieters a new contract at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies confirmed on 22 May that Pieters would be one of six out-of-contract players to depart the club once those deals expire this month.
Kyle Bartley and Cedric Kipre have been offered fresh terms, which they are deliberating over, but Goodman says younger players are needed.
“I’m not surprised with the Erik in particular, when you look at the age of him, that they’ve taken that decision,” Goodman told West Brom News. “West Brom need to look to get the average age down so it makes sense.
“Keeping hold of Erik, who probably wouldn’t have been playing too regularly, wouldn’t have been the right thing, plus it frees up more wages. There isn’t a massive amount of mobility there when you look at Pieters, Bartley and, to a lesser extent, Kipre.”
“There’s a great reading of the game that comes with experience, but there would be occasions in which they play against teams that could expose that lack of athleticism.
“West Brom had the oldest average starting XI in the Championship last season and you need some legs, some athleticism and mobility – look at the top four who had that in abundance all over the field. If I were involved in West Brom, I’d be looking to improve on that athleticism all over the park.”
West Brom need to get recruitment spot on
Albion do indeed need to bring down the average age of the squad, which has not been easy in recent windows due to financial restrictions.
Now that money can be spent, it is important the club spend it wisely on players able to make an impact right now and who are still young enough to develop.
That is the magic formula for every team, of course, and not all transfers work out, but that is certainly the right blueprint to follow.
Releasing Pieters last month was the right call, but Albion could do with Kipre agreeing fresh terms as he is a solid option to have around.
This summer is not about completely ripping up the squad and starting again, but keeping a number of other key men from last term and strengthening around them.
In other West Brom news, a date has been locked in for the Baggies to begin their pre-season programme.
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