Kiely to extend stay at Hawthorns
By Jemma Tappenden
November 28 2009
West Brom's veteran goal keeper Dean Kiely looks set to extend his stay at the Hawthorns by branching out into a new role. The 39 year old who was a core part of Albion's side when they clinched promotion and the Championship title at the end of the 2007/08 season, has been sidelined sinced that title victory after the arrival of Scott Carson that summer.
Kiely has already been doing some coaching at the Hawthorns, something which he is keen to continue doing once his current contract expires at the end of the season. But Kiely hopes that any new contract offer will combine the roles of playing and coaching.
Having sat most of last season on the bench last year - a first in his 22 year long career, Kiely admits that he knows his playing days are coming to an end. But he feels his fitness, attitude and love for the game are all still good enough to ensure that he remains a good back up for Carson.
Kiely is fiercely proud of the high standard he has set himself throughout his career, but said that whilst he was frustrated with the lack of first team football, he was glad to have been able to assist with the career development of international hopeful Scott Carson.