Express & Star

West Brom caretaker boss Jimmy Shan salutes ‘natural born leader’ Kyle Bartley

Jimmy Shan has saluted the impact of ‘natural born leader’ Kyle Bartley on Albion’s dressing room.

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Kyle Bartley Pic: AMA.

The 27-year-old is back in favour at the Baggies following caretaker boss Shan’s decision to revert to a back three in recent weeks.

Bartley, who has experienced fluctuating fortunes since joining from Swansea last summer, has started the last four games and captained the team in last Monday’s 0-0 draw at Reading.

Shan described the decision to give him the armband in the absence of Chris Brunt and Jake Livermore a ‘no-brainer’.

He said: “I think Kyle’s a natural born leader. I had a chat with him nine or 10 weeks ago when he wasn’t in the team.

“His ability to stay part of the group and be a real leader when he’s not in the team or the squad has been magnificent.

“He’s a voice in the changing room, he’s a personality, he’s a real competitor, he wants to win and he says the right thing at the right time.

“Without Chris or Jake, it was a no-brainer for me to give Kyle the captaincy because of how he leads.”

Play-off-bound Albion host struggling Rotherham at The Hawthorns tomorrow, with Bartley keen to continue a run which has seen them win their last four at home.

He said: “It’s important to keep adding to the momentum we have picked up over the last few weeks.

“We know that it won’t be easy as Rotherham are fighting to stay in the division.

“With that in mind, we’ll be expecting a very tough test and a quick start from them so we will have to be fully aware of the dangers.”

Supporters are being encouraged to take their seats by 2.30pm ahead of the game, with the club preparing to announce their end of season award winners.

Supporters’ player of the season, players’ player of the season and goal of the season are among the prizes set to be handed out.

Players and staff will also embark on a post-match lap of appreciation to supporters at the end of their final home game before the play-offs.