West Brom sign Tyrone Mears on short-term deal
Albion have plugged their gap at right-back with a left-field signing from the United States.
The Baggies have snapped up 35-year-old free agent Tyrone Mears on a short-term rolling contract until January.
He is set to make his debut in Albion’s Carabao Cup second round clash with Mansfield Town at The Hawthorns tonight after the club rushed through his signing at the start of the week.
Born in Stockport, Mears played for Preston, Derby and Burnley before heading over to Major League Soccer in December 2014.
He spent three seasons in MLS when he turned out for Seattle Sounders, Atlanta United and Minnesota United.
The right-back played alongside head coach Darren Moore at Derby, and the Baggies boss described the signing as a ‘no brainer’.
“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,” said Moore.
“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.”
Mears becomes Albion’s ninth signing of the summer, and joins Tosin Adarabioyo, Kyle Bartley and Conor Townsend in beefing up the club’s back-line.
He has been brought in to directly replace Allan Nyom, who has joined Leganes on a season-long loan.
Mears is providing cheap cover for Albion’s gap at right-back, and his arrival may free up funds for further additions in the loan window.
He reportedly earned just under £3,000-a-week at Minnesota United last season.
Moore has been trying to sign a right-back all summer.
He pulled out of a deal for Luton Town’s Jack Stacey before agreeing a £400,000 deal with Yeovil Town for Tom James but the 22-year-old failed his medical.
Albion then had a bid of £1.8m rising to £3m for Rangers skipper James Tavernier rejected.
Moore has been playing with wing-backs in recent games, and Craig Dawson can also fill in at right-back, having played in that position under Tony Pulis.
