Club News

Hoolahan joins Albion

DARREN Moore has bolstered his Albion squad with confirmation that midfielder Wes Hoolahan has signed for the Club.

The former Republic of Ireland and Norwich City playmaker has agreed a short-term deal with the option to extend in January. 

As a free agent following his decision to leave Norwich City at the end of last season, the 36-year-old trained with his new team-mates during the international break and soon convinced Albion’s Head Coach he would be a valuable addition to his numbers.

Darren said: “In the end, it wasn’t a difficult decision because Wes’s quality was there for all to see and he brings great experience and greater options to our group.

“We had a look at him over three or four days. He is a great pro and I think everyone knows the quality he possesses. He gives us more depth and fantastic experience. 

“The agreement is short term but there is the potential for Wes to stay longer if things work out. I’m delighted to get him here.

“We’ve got seven games in 21 days in October and we are going to have to manage the squad to cope with the demands of that schedule. Every single player will be important to us.”

Wes arrives after a 10-year career with Norwich which saw him feature in three promotions and four Premier League campaigns.

He has proved his durability in the last three campaigns, making 122 appearances for club and country, before his retirement from the Republic of Ireland in March.

Hoolahan was named Norwich's 2016/17 Player of the Season and Darren is convinced there is plenty more to come from a footballer highly regarded for his craftsmanship on the ball. 

Darren added: “I know that when people hear about players arriving in their mid-30s they have a perception of that player being past their best.

“I believe that thinking has got to change. I know what it’s like to play into my mid-30s and the areas of sports science and medicine have developed even further since my day. I can tell you these guys now in their mid-30s are in great shape and can still handle the physicality.

“I’ve got no concerns about Wes on that score. He will get even better with game time but in terms of his general fitness he has satisfied all our demands.”

  • Home