West Brom signing Karl Henry would only fuel supporters’ criticism of Tony Pulis

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Karl Henry is training with West Brom ahead of a possible reunion with his former Stoke City boss Tony Pulis.

Grzegorz Krychowiak will have signed for Paris Saint-Germain last summer looking forward to the prospect of striking up an impressive partnership with Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti and Blaise Matuidi in the centre of midfield.

However, there is a now slight possibility that he could be sharing a dressing room with one Karl Henry. According to Sky Sports, the unattached veteran is currently training at West Brom as he searches for employment after being released by QPR at the end of last season.

It is not known whether West Brom are seriously considering handing a contract to the 34-year-old former Wolves captain.

But The Baggies’ failure to land a number of midfield targets, a blow admittedly softened by the huge signing of Krychowiak on a season-long loan, may just convince manager Tony Pulis to consider offering a player he knows well from his time at Stoke City a fresh start in England’s top flight.

Unwatchable

However, signing Henry would do nothing to help Pulis’ reputation among the more purist West Brom supporters. The veteran gaffer divides supporters, those who praise him for keeping them clear of relegation undermined by some who believe his style of football has no place at The Hawthorns.

And Henry himself acknowledged back in 2011 that Pulis’ sides aren’t exactly conducive to an attractive game of football.

“It’s going to be a really dirty game up there,” Henry told The Guardian as Wolves prepared to travel to Pulis’ long-ball specialist Stoke City side. “Both teams will be kicking lumps out of each other. It’s going to be an ugly, dirty game that no one wants to go and watch.”

At least those who did pay the entrance fee saw a few goals, Kenwyne Jones, Ryan Shawcross and Jermaine Pennant on target as Stoke cruised to a 3-0 win.

Though you can guarantee that the ‘pragmatic’ Henry did everything in his power to ensure supporters felt they’d stepped back in time towards an era where shin bones littered mud-bath football pitches.

And, if Henry reunites with Pulis at West Brom, it will do little for the manager’s reputation in the eyes of West Brom supporters who would welcome a little more free-flowing football at The Hawthorns.