McAuley signs new Albion deal

17 May 2013 18:17

West Brom defender Gareth McAuley has extended his contract at The Hawthorns by a year until 2015.

The Northern Ireland international, who achieved a clean sweep of the Baggies' player of the year awards, has put pen to paper on a new and improved two-year deal.

McAuley, 33, joined West Brom in the summer of 2011 and has formed an impressive partnership with Jonas Olsson in the centre of defence.

Manager Steve Clarke said: "I'm absolutely delighted the deal has been done.

"The fact Gareth has signed it tells you it is a good deal for him - and it is certainly a good deal for the club. He's been a standout performer this season and deserves every reward he gets.

"Gareth's important to the dressing room. I've mentioned a number of times how strong the dressing room is and how we have a lot of good characters in the dressing room. Gareth is one of those.

"He's important to the club and squad - both on and off the pitch."

McAuley and the Baggies will now hope to cap a season in which they have never dropped out of the top 10 with a strong performance against Premier League champions Manchester United on Sunday.

Source: PA