And Garlick thanks defender for loyal service
GABRIEL Tamas has today paid tribute to the Albion fans and the club as he bid a fond farewell after three-and-a-half years at The Hawthorns.The 29-year-old centre-half left the Baggies before Monday’s transfer deadline after having the final ten months of his contract cancelled by mutual consent.
The Romanian international is now free to join a new club as he was unattached when the window closed.
And he leaves with happy memories of his time at Albion after joining the club in January 2010.
During that campaign he helped the Baggies win automatic promotion to the top flight – including scoring a last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Reading - before making his loan switch permanent the following summer.
And he has been part of the club’s most successful-ever Barclays Premier League squad over the last three seasons.
“It’s sad to say goodbye - but I need to move on,” said Tamas, who has found first-team opportunities hard to come by in the last two seasons due to the form of first-choice pairing Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley.
“I have good memories, especially as it is the first club where I stayed more than one year.
“It feels like my home.
“I’ve been very happy at West Brom and I want to say thank you very much to everyone at the club and the fans.
“When I arrived at the club I thought West Brom could do big things because of the players.
“There was a good group, with every one playing for their national team.
“There was and is good quality of players who play good football.
“I think West Brom can aim for the top six – and I’ll be checking on their results.
“Now I hope to stay in England and I need to be patient to see if I get an opportunity to come back in the Premier League or Championship.”
In total, Tamas made 77 appearances for the Baggies, including 11 as a substitute, scoring three goals.
And Albion Sporting & Technical Director (designate) Richard Garlick has thanked him for his loyal service.
“Gabi has been 100 per cent committed to us,” he said.
“He is a great character and although the last 18 months has been frustrating for him in terms of limited opportunities, every time he has come on in a game no-one can question his commitment.
“He is a very technical centre-half and filled in well at right-back last season as well.
“He is a popular member of the squad but things change and to help him progress his career we agreed to terminate his contract to help him find another club.
“He goes with our best wishes.”