Gareth McAuley believes West Brom are making progress
Experienced defender Gareth McAuley believes Albion made progress last season despite the disappointing finish.
The 37-year-old, who has been a consistent first-team player for the past six years, still classes the campaign as a success.
The Baggies finished in the top 10 of the Premier League for the third time, and won more points and more games than each of the previous three seasons.
But for the second year running, the team finished without a win in their last nine games.
McAuley missed the last two matches with a thigh injury, but is expected to return to action this Saturday when Northern Ireland face Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier.
He told the Express & Star he was happy with the steps made under Tony Pulis.
“It was a little bit disappointing how the season ended for myself with injury and a few results but I suppose you can't have it all,” he said.
"Overall, looking at the bigger picture, it's a successful season. It’s progression, even though it fizzled out a little bit.”
McAuley has consistently impressed since his arrival on a free transfer in 2011, and the towering centre-back continues to defy the ageing process.
He will soon be entering his seventh season at the club, and is confident the team is moving in the right direction.
"It's been building right through since I've been here,” added McAuley. "It's great here. I'm very settled and I settled really quickly. I'm really enjoying my football.
“I don't know what's happening (in the transfer market), there's loads of players being linked with us as there always is.
"Premier League football is difficult to get away from no matter where you are in the world.
"There's always media attention for the Premier League and you can see stuff.
“It's other peoples' jobs to assemble a competitive squad to play in the Premier League. As long as we're competitive, winning games and involved, that's the main thing.”
Albion have been linked with 31-year-old Valencia striker Alvaro Negredo, who scored 10 goals on loan at Middlesbrough last season, and will reportedly face competition with West Ham if they choose to act on their interest in Montpellier’s 22-year-old Steve Mounie.
