West Bromwich Albion have signed goalkeeper Andy Lonergan on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
The 37-year-old, who had recently signed a short-term contract with Stoke City, was out of contract after the Championship outfit refused to renew his deal.
West Bromwich Albion Sign Goalkeeper Andy Lonergan
Lonergan Provides Added Experience
Lonergan arrives into the club with a wealth of experience, having played for a total of 14 clubs in a long and industrious career. The clubs include Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and, most notable of all, Liverpool.
In an official club statement, West Brom said: “Albion have signed experienced goalkeeper Andy Lonergan on a short-term contract until the end of the season.” The goalkeeper started on the bench for the Baggies’ third-round FA Cup defeat at Blackpool.
And going by the past, Lonergan will be primed and ready if called upon. He is no stranger to high pressure given that he was part of the Liverpool Premier League winning side, who managed to end their 30-year title drought.
Why Lonergan?
West Brom lie 19th in the Premier League with eight points from their 17 games and possess the league’s worst defensive record. Sam Allardyce has notoriously been known to be defensively minded, and the keeper’s acquisition will add that much-needed experience.
Just as experience plays a part, in transfer dealings, so do financial considerations. The signing of Lonergan is a frugal move in a January transfer window that has been historically difficult to navigate around.
And although their first choice keeper Sam Johnstone has been performing well, the increasing likelihood of their third-choice in Jonathan Bond leaving has opened up the door for another shot-stopper.
With Lonergan heading towards the end of his playing career, West Brom have made a wise move in acquiring a player— who will not disrupt the team if faced with limited game time.
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