Chris Brunt will leave West Bromwich Albion when his contract expires at the end of the 2019/20 season. Albion announced that the Northern Ireland international will move on after 13 years at the Club, in a statement in which they described Brunt as an ‘all-time great’.
Chris Brunt to Leave West Brom
Brunt is one of only 16 players to have made more than 400 appearances for West Brom in the Club’s history. But his time there is not only about longevity, he is arguably the most influential Albion player of modern era.
He holds the Club record for most Premier League appearances (269) and most Premier League wins (76). His 24 Premier League goals is a tally only bested by Peter Odemwingie and James Morrison and he made the top 10 for most Premier League assists of the last decade (47).
Brunt’s influence was recognised by all nine permanent managers that took the reigns at West Brom during is time there. Including Slaven Bilić who, despite offering limited playing time this season, paid tribute to Brunt. Telling the Club website: “From day one, he has always been there for me, my staff and the players.”
Emotional Goodbye
West Bromwich Albion Club website posted a statement from Brunt. In which the 35-year-old said he was “getting emotional” as he wrote a number of thank you messages. Concluding with a message to fans:
“Last but by no means least, to all the Baggies fans out there. Win, lose or draw you have always supported me and for that I will be forever grateful. Thank you for allowing me to become one of your own. Please know I will always regard this as my club. I wish I could go on forever here but sadly all good things must come to an end. Hopefully, when all is safe and well, I’ll be able to come to The Hawthorns to show my appreciation to you.
“For now I will do all I can to help us get promoted to the Premier League and I’ll be ready if the manager needs me. After that, I hope, a new challenge awaits elsewhere. It will be strange to play for another club after all my years at Albion, but I still feel I have plenty to offer, and there’s a bit of football left in the tank yet!”
Brunt will now turn his focus to the remaining nine games of the season. Where he will be keen to see West Brom gain promotion back to the Premier League. He has already been a part of two promotions with the Baggies including one championship-winning campaign. A third would be a great way to end his time at the Club.
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