‘It would be a useful signing’ – West Brom make an approach to sign experienced head: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more.

West Brom are planning on a move to bring veteran goalkeeper Andy Lonergan back to The Hawthorns this summer, according to The Athletic.

The 37-year-old has not seen much first-team football at all in the last few years, making just 14 appearances in the last four years.

Lonergan signed a short-term contract with The Baggies in January of this year but failed to feature as the club headed back to the Championship.

Lonergan, who has over 300 Championship appearances to his name, now finds himself without a club and a target of his former employers.

Would Lonergan and his influence strengthen West Brom next season? We asked the team at FLW to share their thoughts…

Phil Spencer

I don’t think that this would be a bad shout.

Andy Lonergan is an experienced goalkeeper who still has something to offer at Championship level.

As it stands it seems that Sam Johnstone will be West Brom’s number one stopper this term, while if he moves on there’s likely to be another high-profile addition coming in.

However Lonergan will certainly be a great option to have as a backup.

There’s little chance of him becoming the club’s first choice stopper, but to have someone of his experience in reserve will be a huge boost for Valerien Ismael’s side.

George Harbey

It would be a useful signing.

West Brom may already have four goalkeepers on the books, but that could all change come the start of the new season.

Sam Johnstone is attracting plenty of high-profile interest, whilst Josh Griffiths is also likely to leave the club on loan after impressing in League Two with Cheltenham last term.

One of David Button and Alex Palmer look to be leaving, too, so realistically, a back-up option is needed.

Lonergan is a good character to have on and off the pitch. He brings a load of experience to the table and would be a cheap option, and having someone of his pedigree at the club would be massive.

Ned Holmes

This looks like a clever move for me.

With Johnstone seemingly set to leave this summer, the Baggies will need a third-choice goalkeeper for the 2021/22 campaign and Lonergan fits the bill.

Not only is he an experienced head and someone that’s unlikely to be too frustrated by a lack of game time but having coached Albion’s keepers last term he knows the club well.

On top of that, this would surely be a cheap move and that will be vital in a summer such as this one.

David Button and Alex Palmer look set to battle it out for the number one jersey should Johnstone leave but more cover will be needed.

This looks a smart bit of business, should they get it done.

22 things all West Brom fans simply must know – But do you?

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The Hawthorns has been West Brom’s home ground since which year?

1906

1900

1911

1903