FOOTBALL: Gareth McAuley agrees new deal with West Brom

Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley has signed a new one-year contract with Premier League side West Bromwich Albion.
Northern Ireland's Gareth McAuleyNorthern Ireland's Gareth McAuley
Northern Ireland's Gareth McAuley

The big Larne man joined the Baggies in 2011 and, alongside defensive partner Jonas Olsson, has agreed terms on another 12 months at the Hawthorns.

McAuley, 36, has made 171 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals. “It’s great for both Jonas and I,” he told West Brom’s website. “When you’re settled somewhere and you enjoy it, and you enjoy the football and the people you work with, it’s an easy decision to make.

He added: “Since I’ve been here it’s always been about progression, we staggered a little bit for a couple of years, but I think this season we’ve progressed again and hopefully with a few additions we can establish ourselves as a top-10 club.”

McAuley began his career in the Irish League, playing for Crusaders and Coleraine. He once had a loan spell at Ballyclare Comrades.