Chris Baird signs for West Brom

[Admin]

West Bromwich Albion have reportedly landed their first signing of the summer by convincing Fulham's Chris Baird to move to the Midlands, The Express reports.

http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/chris-baird-signs-for-west-brom.aspx

Steve Clark has been eager to make additions to his squad to build on the strong season they've enjoyed this year and he has seen Baird as the ideal man to add some grit to his defence.

The 31-year-old has been at Craven Cottage since 2007, and he has since gone on to make over 150 appearances for the West London side. However, with his contract up at the end of the season he has rejected the idea of staying on under Martin Jol after growing frustrated with playing a bit part role.

West Brom have had Baird on their radar for some time and had a failed January deadline day move him fall apart at the last minute. The 61-cap Northern Irishman will now join up with his international teammate Chris Brunt at The Hawthornes.

Baird has made just 16 appearances this season.

[Lighthouse]

Had a rocky start at Fulham but proved to be a really good and useful player for us. If true than the best of luck and thanks.

[HatterDon]

So, how can he go now after AND before the transfer window? If he's not going until the end of the season, can we still play him? What the deal be?

[epsomraver]

Had a rocky start at Fulham but proved to be a really good and useful player for us. If true than the best of luck and thanks.

:plus one: :plus one:

[Berserker]

Sad to see him go

[Jambo]

Been a great servant but probably the right time to sell him.  Was going to complete this move in Jan but run out of time so no real surprise.  It certainly doesn't weaken us.  Thanks for the memories Bairdinho.  Centre midfield v Juve at home and Stoke away (2 goals) his 2 best moments.

[ScalleysDad]

Met him once by the gates when he was waiting for car to be dropped off. He was trying to sign a young lads T shirt and needed a third hand as the T shirt was putting up some resistance. An oik from the opposition was across the road with an equally oikish mate and they shouted "Oi Baird. You're shite". He was still struggling with the T shirt but said to the lad quietly in that accent "I think they are right. They would have signed this bloody shirt by now"

Good luck to you sir.

[timmyg]

oh dear, should probably get on that customized kit soon

[twang]

Absolutely love his attitude, you don't see many players with one like his these days, he really went from zero to hero. Hope he does well, wherever he decides to go.

[BarryP]

Been a great servant but probably the right time to sell him.  Was going to complete this move in Jan but run out of time so no real surprise.  It certainly doesn't weaken us.  Thanks for the memories Bairdinho.  Centre midfield v Juve at home and Stoke away (2 goals) his 2 best moments.

I do believe Mr. Baird will be gone on a free and with my well wishes in his future endeavores.

Not that the last part is overly important  :wine:

[DukeTyrion]

So, how can he go now after AND before the transfer window? If he's not going until the end of the season, can we still play him? What the deal be?

From what I understand, in the last 6 months of your contract you are allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club.

You are still with the old club, but you in effect have already signed for the new club when the contract expires.

[The King]

So, how can he go now after AND before the transfer window? If he's not going until the end of the season, can we still play him? What the deal be?

From what I understand, in the last 6 months of your contract you are allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club.

You are still with the old club, but you in effect have already signed for the new club when the contract expires.

English clubs can approach him three months before his contract ends, clubs abroad can do so six months before.

[ron]

Always sure of kindly words when the history books of this great club are thumbed through.

[Bassey the warrior]

So, how can he go now after AND before the transfer window? If he's not going until the end of the season, can we still play him? What the deal be?

He can't. I think the suggestion is they've an agreement with him to sign when his contract runs out.

[Bassey the warrior]

Been a top bloke for the club. Good luck Chris, hope you get regular football at West Brom.

[JackyFulham90]

He hasn't signed yet as he is still contracted to us until the end of the season, if he does move on good luck Bairdy you were top class for us

[Stefano Okaka Chuka]

I really really hope it is not true. But if it is, then it was a smart move by me to get Bairdinho on the back of my shirt this season...I sincerely hope he stays.

[St Eve]

Can't blame him. When you see Senderos picked ahead of you it is time to move on. A good servant to the club and I wish him the best.

[cebu]

Good luck for the future, Chris!   :wine:

[leonffc]

Met him once by the gates when he was waiting for car to be dropped off. He was trying to sign a young lads T shirt and needed a third hand as the T shirt was putting up some resistance. An oik from the opposition was across the road with an equally oikish mate and they shouted "Oi Baird. You're shite". He was still struggling with the T shirt but said to the lad quietly in that accent "I think they are right. They would have signed this bloody shirt by now"

Good luck to you sir.

HaHa brilliant.

Good luck Bairdinho. A great profesional  :medal: