[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Gareth Barry was a fabulous player back in the day.

He earned 53 England caps, won a Premier League title with Manchester City and played a monumental 653 games in the Premier League.

But at the not so ripe age of 38, you'd be forgiven for thinking he'd be settling down for retirement or seeking a fresh challenge elsewhere.

Barry admitted back in April that he'd like to play one more season, but after undergoing minor knee surgery he looked to have played his final match for West Brom. So we thought anyway.

On the chalkboard

Slaven Bilic has a number of tasks to carry out now he's arrived at the Hawthorns. He has significant transfer business to conduct both in terms of those who may leave the club and also in terms of recruitment.

As many as five bodies could walk out the exit door but Barry is a face who might be returning.

Express & Star reported over the weekend that Bilic is set to have a look at the midfielder once he's back from injury with a view to offering him a new deal.

Originally the veteran had been released but it appears as though he could be wanted after all.

However, you can't help but feel as though the Croatian boss would be sending out the wrong message by doing so.

Barry was a bit part of the first-team squad in the opening months of last season but found himself to be a regular throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

But as the Baggies look to embark on a new era, they need fresh faces and young blood to help guide them through it.

The former Aston Villa man has been a wonderful servant to the game but if Bilic is planning on giving him a swansong at Albion he must think again.

As Rekeem Harper gets set to potentially leave to one of a number of destinations, there will be a spare place in midfield. If that's taken up by Barry, Bilic would be setting a poor first impression.

Instead, it should be afforded to Sam Field, a talented 21-year-old who was unfairly left out on multiple occasions last term, starting just four times in the Championship.

The fans in the video below had some very strong words for Michel Platini who was detained over alleged corruption this week...

Having an experienced head in the dressing room can prove crucial, but West Brom already have plenty.

In midfield they've got Jake Livermore and Chris Brunt for instance. Neither player is particularly eye-catching and the same can be said for Barry.

Now is the perfect time for Albion to move on properly from their days in the Premier League.