West Brom fans are all in agreement as ‘leader’ Kyle Bartley retires on eve of Championship season

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West Brom stalwart Kyle Bartley has hung up his boots after seven years of service for the Baggies.

West Brom are heading into the 2025/26 Championship season with optimism over Ryan Mason’s debut term in charge.

The Baggies have made some impressive signings this summer, after West Brom signed Nat Phillips, which was followed up by the arrivals of George Campbell and Aune Heggebo.

However, Mason has endured several transfer blows this summer after West Brom missed out on Mikey Moore with his Rangers move and the recent £10m bid for Torbjorn Heggem from Bologna.

Now, the Baggies have been impacted again, with stalwart defender Kyle Bartley announcing his retirement from football on the eve of their opening weekend clash against Blackburn Rovers.

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West Brom fans react to Kyle Bartley’s retirement from football

Ahead of the Blackburn clash, Baggies defender Bartley announced his retirement from football, bringing an end to his 16-year playing career.

Since arriving from Swansea City in the summer of 2018, Bartley made 232 appearances for West Brom, scoring 15 goals in his seven years at The Hawthorns.

In the 2020/21 season, Bartley featured 30 times in the Premier League, scoring three goals, but could not help his side stave off relegation.

After Bartley’s retirement was announced on West Brom’s X page, the Baggies faithful sent messages of thanks to the veteran defender.

One West Brom fan said: “Thank you, Barts. Have been a good servant to the club. Right time to move on for all involved, good luck.”

Another said: “Thank you for your fine service to the club Kyle. I’ve always liked you as a player and I for one will miss you in the stripes. You also seem like a really decent fella off the pitch with that big smile of yours. All good luck for the future.”

A third fan added: “Kyle Bartley, always a presence on the pitch and always gave more than most. He will have critics and by god there’s loads in our fickle fanbase, but for me a leader a man who grabbed people and motivated them. He will be missed for sure!”

“Thank you Kyle Bartley. Defence was always more organised when he played.”, said one fan as another added: “Thank you Kyle always loved your calm presence on the pitch will be missed.”

Another posted: “Thank you Kyle. Always a leader good luck in your future.”

Bartley triggered a 12-month contract extension after making 31 Championship appearances last season, so it could be possible that the wages saved on his retirement could free up funds for further signings this window.

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Kyle Bartley sends emotional farewell message to West Brom after retirement

After his retirement was announced, Bartley told West Brom’s website: “I am fortunate to have represented some outstanding clubs during my career and Albion holds a particularly special place in my heart.

“Unfortunately, a knee injury I picked up during last season has led me to make the difficult decision to hang up my boots, despite my best efforts to rehabilitate from it.

“I consider myself incredibly lucky to have played the game I love, and it is the highs and lows of football that have helped make me the man I am today.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to all at the club for their support during my seven years here. The club is fortunate to have some outstanding people working at all levels and I’m lucky to have established some special friendships along the way.

“I’ll continue to support Ryan Mason and the lads and don’t plan on being a stranger at The Hawthorns – a special place that I will always be fond of.

“I’d also like to thank the fans for their amazing support throughout the years. My family, too, are now all fans, especially my two little girls, and I’m hoping we will all be back very soon to say thank you for everything. This club will always be part of my life.”