Albion’s longest serving player Neil Clement has been forced to end his career after retiring on medical grounds. The former Chelsea man joined the Baggies for a bargain £100,000 almost a decade ago in March 2000 and is the only Albion player to achieve three promotions with the club.
The left-sided defender has been sidelined for the past 17-months after injuring his right knee in a pre-season friendly against Real Mallorca only days before the opening game of 2008 Premier League season – only months after returning from a serious left knee injury.
After returning from injury Clement was colossus on his return from a short loan spell at Hull City helping Albion remain unbeaten in the league to lift their first league trophy in 88 years. The fans’ favourite also featured at Wembley during the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Portsmouth.
"I knew I was struggling because I'd been out for so long but, when I actually heard the consultant say those words, it was still a really bitter pill to swallow," said the popular Clement.
"Nothing can prepare you for it. Being told your career is over is the one thing no player wants to hear.
"However, I can take real comfort from the fact I have tried absolutely everything to get back playing again.
"In years to come, it would have been an awful thing to look back and think 'why didn't I try this or that'?
"I have no regrets because, in my heart of hearts, I know I couldn't have done anymore.
"The hardest thing to take is that, when I got back into the team at the end of the 2007/08 season, I felt I was playing better than ever and coming into my prime - both physically and mentally.
"So to get this injury the following pre-season - especially on the eve of our return to the Premier League - was a devastating blow."
Clement made exactly 300 appearances for the Baggies scoring 26 times – the majority through unstoppable free-kicks – and has now been handed a place coaching the Academy until the end of the season as he ways up his options.
“I'm delighted that the chairman, Dan Ashworth and Roberto Di Matteo still feel I have a lot to offer the club - as do I,” Clem continued.
"It's going to take me some time to get over the shock of being told my playing days are over but life will go on and I've got a new challenge to look forward to.
"West Bromwich Albion have been part and parcel of my life for the past ten years and I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at the club and, of course, the fans for all their support over the past decade."