"He's a rarity" - Exclusive: Don Goodman reacts as West Brom seal agreement with £15k-a-week star | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Don Goodman has been discussing Kyle Bartley's latest contract extension with West Brom.

West Brom have triggered an option in Kyle Bartley's contract to extend the veteran centre-back's stay at The Hawthorns by a further 12 months.

The news of Bartley's contract extension emerged on 16 April, after it was revealed that an appearances-related clause had triggered the extension for the £15,000-a-week man.

Bartley, 33, has been with West Brom since the summer of 2018, having joined from Swansea City, and has since made well over 220 appearances for the Baggies.

"Every team needs" - Don Goodman makes Kyle Bartley, West Brom claim after contract extension triggered

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player, Don Goodman: 'A new contract has been triggered for Kyle Bartley at West Brom. Good news for the Baggies? Is his experience and nous vital to have in the dressing room?'

Goodman said: "Kyle Bartley having his contract extended, I think is a good thing.

"I think he's a rarity in that he's an old-school type of leader. He brings those defensive leadership qualities that every team needs.

"Although he's 33, he's started 26 games (correct as of 42 Championship games played this season). He had a little period out with injury earlier on in the season, and when he's not there, he's missed.

"So certainly, I see it as a good thing for all parties."

Kyle Bartley extension will hand West Brom further time to find centre-back of the future

Sometimes, class really is permanent.

That sentiment has certainly rung true for Bartley this season, with the veteran defender proving that the engine warning light is still some way off from appearing.

However, all good things have to come to an end at some point, and despite having his services for at least another season, West Brom will surely have one eye on the future at the centre-back position.

In summer signing Torbjoern Heggem, Albion certainly seem to have found one piece of their future in central defence, and what Bartley's contract extension will do is hand the club more time to find the other piece.

Whether that be one of their numerous academy prospects such as Reece Hall or Muhamed Diomande, or perhaps through an external recruit, Bartley will provide the Baggies with a safe and solid bridge for them to find their next future centre-back star.

Regardless of whether the club are plying their trade in the Premier League or the Championship next season, squad depth and strength in numbers is always so vital to a successful campaign, and Bartley has shown that he can still be a quality rotational option should they wish/be forced to reduce his role in the starting XI moving forward.

Therefore, it's safe to assume that this news will have been greeted with great relief and positivity among the West Brom faithful.