West Brom squad of the century: The defenders

But with so many top stars having graced The Hawthorns – who would make the ultimate Baggies squad from those who have played for the club over the past two decades?

With the country in lockdown – and with fans looking for their football fix – we asked Albion supporters to put together a dream team of players who have performed from January 1, 2000, onwards.

In keeping with a World Cup format, there were just two rules.

The first was that they had to name three goalkeepers, while the second was that the squad had to be balanced with every position covered in the event of an injury or suspension.

A fantastic 82 supporters spent time mulling over their heroes to whittle down their squads to just 23 names.

The results are being revealed throughout this week in the Express & Star.

Today we divulge which defenders made the cut.

DEFENDERS

Albion supporters have had the pleasure of watching some outstanding centre-backs over the past 20 years.

But it’s fair to say that same strength in depth has not been found in the full-back areas.

The lack of right-backs and left-backs was a running theme for supporters who took part in this survey.

And that is shown in the players who made the final cut – with almost all of them versatile performers who can also play in other positions.

STEVEN REID

It is Steven Reid who gets the starting spot in this team at right-back.

Now a coach with Scotland, the 39-year-old received an impressive 51 votes for his solid displays at The Hawthorns between 2010 and 2014.

CRAIG DAWSON

And he is kept on his toes by Craig Dawson, who sneaks in as a back-up right-back despite primarily playing at centre-half.

The current Watford defender received 41 votes ensuring he cements his position in the squad ahead of Igor Balis (27 votes) and Billy Jones (10).

There are actually three players in the squad who can be deployed at left-back.

NEIL CLEMENT

Neil Clement – who was just as good at centre-half – gets the starting spot and the number three jersey after amassing 62 votes.

KIERAN GIBBS

He is backed up by current Albion star Kieran Gibbs, who was named in 53 of the squads submitted.

PAUL ROBINSON

And if their standards ever slip, the never-say-die Paul Robinson could also start at left-back.

Robinson received 33 votes in this poll – the exact same as retired centre-half Darren Moore.

But Robinson’s versatilely meant an executive decision was made to include him – especially as he, Dawson and Clement can all play at the heart of the defence - giving this squad great balance.

At centre-back, the Baggies really have been well-stocked in recent years.

GARETH McAULEY

A whopping 79 fans who take part in this survey included Gareth McAuley in their squad.

There is only one outfield player who received a higher tally – a midfielder who will be revealed tomorrow. It’s fair to say

McAuley’s arrival from Ipswich in 2011 didn’t set pulses racing.

But for the next seven years, the Northern Irishman proved himself to be one of the best and most consistent defenders in the country.

JONNY EVANS

McAuley is partnered here at the heart of the defence by his countryman Jonny Evans, who finished just one vote behind him on 78.

JONAS OLSSON

An outstanding centre-back selection is then complemented with the hugely popular Jonas Olsson – who was named in 70 of the squads submitted for his towering performance between 2008 and 2017.

In total, 26 different defenders received a nomination to be included in the squad of the century.

Semi Ajayi (18), Thomas Gaardsoe (10) and Mason Holgate (10) also hit double figures.

Joleon Lescott received eight votes while Martin Albrechtsen, Larus Sigurosson and Gonzalo Jara received five, four and two votes respectively.

Diego Lugano, Carl Hoefkens, Sean Gregan and Darnell Furlong were among those who got one nomination.