True leader: West Brom coach who worked under Carlos Corberan and Tony Mowbray pays Kyle Bartley retirement tribute

After struggling to recover from a knee injury picked up last season - the 34-year-old brought an end to his career and seven year stay at West Brom.

The defender had not featured in pre-season as he battled back from injury.

But he confirmed on Friday he would now be hanging up his boots - and Ryan Mason paid tribute to Bartley at his press-conference ahead of the season opener against Blackburn Rovers.

And one of Mason's coaching staff, who he has inherited from previous managers, has paid a touching tribute to the departing Bartley.

Damia Abella, who was brought in under Carlos Corberan and served as one of the interim managers following the Spaniard's departure - also went on to work with Tony Mowbray and now Mason.

And he has described Bartley as a 'true leader', and someone who followed how demanding Bartley was.

Commenting on social media, Abella said: "Since I joined West Brom, you’ve been someone we all followed-demanding of yourself and everyone around you. 

"A true leader, a true servant of the club. You’ll be always part of my memories here. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter Barts!"