West Bromwich Albion have today added free agent defender Tyrone Mears to their squad. The 35-year-old has penned an initial contract until January, and is set to make his debut in this evening’s Carabao Cup home encounter versus Mansfield Town.
Mears was most recently playing for Minnesota United in Major League Soccer. He has spent the last few years in the top flight of US soccer, playing for Atlanta United and also Seattle Sounders, with who he won the MLS Cup title with. The player is a former team mate of Baggies boss Darren Moore during their time together at Derby County.
West Brom had been looking to sign a right back given they were desperately short in this area. Allan Nyom left for Leganes on a season-long loan deal, whilst moves to sign the likes of Jack Stacey and Tom James from Luton Town and Yeovil Town respectively proved unsuccessful.
Moore says he is delighted to add the defensive veteran on a rolling deal, and believes he will settle in rather quickly,
“We’re former team-mates at Derby and when I heard about his availability and looked at the situation we have in terms of the squad’s balance at the moment, it was a no-brainer for me.
“Tyrone has got a wealth of experience and is a very fit footballer. He totally understands the division we are in and I have no doubt about the job he will be able to do for us.
“The mere fact that he has been in the MLS for the past three years is testament to his condition because you have to be physically right to compete in that league.
“He’s got massive experience and I’m pleased to have him here.”
