Jonas Olsson's recent form shouldn't tarnish his great West Brom career

With his contract expiring in July, and soon to be 34 years of age, it looks increasingly likely that Jonas Olsson will leave West Brom at the end of the season. Yes, he’s been poor this season and yes, he’s declined rapidly but, he’s been a magnificent servant to the club and we shouldn’t forget that.

Signed for just £800,000 in August 2008, he became a key part of the swashbuckling Tony Mowbray side that included Borja Valero, Gianni Zuiverloon, Juan Carlos Menseguez, Filipe Teixeira and Pele (no, not that one).

It’s fair to say that some signings worked, and others really really didn’t, we were relegated in Olsson’s first season at the club, finishing last in the Premier League. Even though we were relegated, Olsson quickly became a fan-favourite and an important member of the squad.

He retained his position at centre-back in the following Championship season, and got us promoted back to the Premier League at the first attempt, and we haven’t been back since.

At 6ft 5in, Olsson enjoyed dominance in aerial duels and was aggressive in the tackle, but he could play a bit too, often starting attacks from deep with raking through balls or passes into midfield. This is something that has been lost in his game in recent years, but he had great passing ability, and was really important in that respect.

The Swede has made over 250 appearances for Albion over a nine year period, suffering both relegation and the joys of promotion with the fans. He’s also been part of some fantastic, and not so fantastic, West Brom sides. He’s played under Mowbray, Roberto Di Matteo, Steve Clarke, Roy Hodgson, Pepe Mel and more.

I guess time catches up with us all, and it’s obvious that he isn’t the player he once was, but I want to emphasise that although he’s been poor recently, I will always remember Olsson’a time at The Hawthorns with great fondness. He’s been a giant for us, and not just figuratively.

Thanks Jonas!

Boing Boing!