Robert Koren has been released from the Baggies after the club decided not to exercise an additional year in his contract. The World Cup bound Slovakian captain joined Albion on free transfer back in 2007 and has played an important role in helping the Baggies gain automatic promotion after suffering relegation the season before.
After scoring a number of important goals towards the end of the season it was expected that Koren would remain at The Hawthorns next season. However, Sporting and Technical director Dan Ashworth revealed Koren’s departure will release funds for Roberto Di Matteo to strengthen other areas of his squad.
"He scored some important goals for us and has been very professional in everything he has done,” Ashworth said.
"However, on our return to the Barclays Premier League we have to try and get the balance of the squad right and we feel we are best served concentrating our available resources into other areas of the squad.
"We also have to be aware of the new Premier League rules regarding the number of home grown players that must be included in the squad."
Koren himself admitted his shock at having his spell at The Hawthorns terminated admitting his pride wearing the famous blue and white strips during his time in the Black Country.
“I was surprised not to get the option after, what I felt, some good performances in the season," Koren told skysports.com.
"I was looking forward to being part of the Premier League campaign. However, it's always sad to leave a club after three-and-a-half years and close to 150 appearances but these things happen for a reason and perhaps it's time for a change.
"I have the World Cup coming up and that is where 100 per cent of my focus lies.
"I would like to thank the staff at the club and most of all, the fans, who have always been kind to me ever since I arrived.
"West Brom is a great club and I have been proud to wear the shirt."
Koren made 149 appearances for the stripes, including 19 times from the bench, netting 22 times.