Long-serving duo earn contract extensions until 2017
ALBION defensive duo Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson have both penned new one-year contract extensions at the Club.
The long-serving pair, who joined the Baggies in 2011 and 2008 respectively, were due to see their existing deals expire at the end of this season.
But they have both been rewarded with new 12-month agreements which keep them at The Hawthorns until at least the summer of 2017.
McAuley, who is preparing to represent Northern Ireland at Euro 2016, has made 171 appearances for the Club in all competitions, scoring 10 goals.
Olsson, meanwhile, has made 247 outings for Albion and found the net 14 times.
Upon penning his new deal, McAuley, 36, said: “It’s great for both Jonas and I. 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.
“The time Jonas has been here has been fantastic and I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve had with him and with the Club.
“Speaking to the Club and the plans they have moving forward, hopefully we can step on.
“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.”
Albion, enjoying their sixth successive season in the top flight, are currently on 40 points as they prepare to face Watford at The Hawthorns tomorrow (3pm ko) with six matches remaining.
Sights are now set on the Club’s record Barclays Premier League points tally of 49, which secured eighth place in 2012/13 and Albion’s highest league finish for over 30 years.
Olsson and McAuley were at the heart of that strong defensive partnership and, having also put pen to paper, the former believes Albion can continue to build over the remainder of this season and next.
Sweden international Olsson, 33, said: “It’s good to be part of the squad for another year, it makes it nine for me and six for Gareth.
“It’s nice to be part of this Club and I’m happy to play with Gareth for another year.
“When you make decisions about your future, there’s certain things you weigh up and, for me, it really has been about being part of this group for another year.
“Both of us have been here a long time but I think we can agree that the dressing room we have now really is something special.
“I’m really happy and proud to be part of this team and this league for another season.”