Andrew Nestor shares what Kyle Bartley did ‘behind closed doors’ as West Brom star retires
West Brom star Kyle Bartley has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 34-year-old signed for The Hawthorns outfit in 2018 and has made over 230 appearances for the Black Country club.
He featured 31 times in the Championship last season as the Baggies missed out on the playoffs, but a knee injury suffered towards the end of the campaign has resulted in the end of his playing career.
Bartley was the subject of exit speculation, with just one year left on his West Brom contract, but he has decided to step away from the game.
Nestor hails Bartley’s impact at West Brom
Bartley was Albion’s captain when he was fit last season, and his departure will be a major loss on and off the pitch.
Sporting director Andrew Nestor echoed that sentiment in a message after the former Arsenal academy star announced his retirement.
The Baggies supremo took to X on 8 August, saying: “Thank you Barts, for your grit on the pitch and the leadership you’ve provided behind closed doors, which will continue to impact the squad and club going forward.”
Bartley will be a huge loss for West Brom
Losing Bartley’s leadership will be a major blow for Ryan Mason, as he prepares for his first campaign in management after two interim gigs previously.
The ex-Tottenham coach needs stability and, more importantly, senior figures who can help him implement his methods amongst the squad.
The fact that the decision has been announced just days before the Championship season opener against Blackburn, threatens to derail the Throstles’ campaign before it has even begun.
They are already in the market for a new centre-back with doubts over Torbjorn Heggem’s future, but they may need two before the deadline strikes now.
Given the Profit and Sustainability concerns that are still lingering in the West Midlands, Bilkul Football may look to the loan market to solve their pressing issue in the department.
They need to do something; as new additions Nat Phillips and George Campbell, would be the only senior options at the heart of defence if Heggem departs after Bartley’s decision to call it quits.
Caleb Taylor is an option but he does not have much experience, so it would be a gamble to rely on him regularly.