McAuley agrees new Baggies deal

Gareth McAuley has signed a new one-year contract with West Brom.

McAuley has scored seven times for the Baggies this season with his goals helping the club to climb to eighth in the Premier League table.

While he is in the latter stages of his career - he will be 38 at the end of the 2017-18 season, the defender did not hesitate when offered a new one-year contract by the club.

“It’s very pleasing. I’d like to thank the Club, the gaffer and everyone here who helps me to stay fit to be able to play at this level," McAuley told the club's official website.

“It’s very, very pleasing. When I signed I just wanted to play in the Premier League and I knew that wasn’t a given when I came here. But I’ve still got that desire sitting here today.

“I don’t think that will leave me. It’s a good thing because it keeps you motivated, keeps you pushing forward.”

McAuley moved to The Hawthorns on a free transfer in 2011 and in his six years at the club he has already made over 200 appearances, including 187 in the Premier League.

"I’ve based my decision on physically being able to do it. If I didn’t think I could I wouldn’t hang about. The tests don’t show any signs that I can’t cope with it," McAuley said of his new deal.

"I’ve worked for a living outside the football bubble and I will more than likely have to go back there one day.

"But as long as you can do this, the best job in the world, then you should continue and I’m not going to turn by back on it." 

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