‘Despite my best efforts’ – EFL veteran announces shock retirement one day before season opener

West Brom defender Kyle Bartley has announced his immediate retirement from football just a day before the new season.

The 34-year-old’s career spanned over 16 years and he made almost 300 appearances in the Championship.

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Bartley also played over 50 games in the Premier League and represented six teams after coming through Arsenal’s academy.

He was hoping to enter the new Championship season with West Brom, with their first game of the campaign coming on Saturday.

However, after struggling due to an injury picked up last term, he played no part in the Baggies’ pre-season preparations.

And just the day before his side take on Blackburn at the Hawthorns, live on talkSPORT 2, he has decided to retire.

In a statement released on Friday by West Brom, Bartley said: “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.

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“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.”

Bartley’s last game as a professional footballer came against Luton Town in May, a thriller in which West Brom won 5-3.

That was his 232nd and final match for the Baggies, as his seven-year tenure at the club comes to an end.

He achieved promotion to the Premier League once with the club, as they finished second in the Championship in 2019/20.

Kyle Bartley’s career

Bartley began his professional career at Arsenal after coming through the youth ranks, going on to play one game for the club.

His only Gunners appearance came in the Champions League in a clash with Olympiacos in 2009.

The centre-back had multiple loan spells at Sheffield United and Rangers before permanently joining Swansea in 2012.

He would make 38 appearances for the Welsh outfit over the next six years, which also included more loans.

Bartley, who won the League Cup as a Swansea player, spent a season at Birmingham City and Leeds United.

A move to West Brom came in 2018 and the final seven years of his career were played for the Baggies.

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West Brom vs Blackburn: talkSPORT coverage

Bartley’s now former side West Brom take on Blackburn in their Championship season opener on Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off at The Hawthorns is scheduled for 3pm.

talkSPORT 2 will have exclusive live coverage of the game presented by Olly Clink.

Commentary will come from Ian Danter and former Arsenal winger Perry Groves.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. 

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.