Comment: Chris Brunt delivers more for West Brom than just dead balls
Today marks the 10th anniversary of Chris Brunt’s arrival from Sheffield Wednesday and a decade later, his lethal left foot is still having a telling impact on Albion games.
On Saturday, the 32-year-old marked his 300th start in Albion colours with a typical pin-point free-kick that found Ahmed Hegazi’s leap at the back post.
It turned out to be the crucial match-winning moment and one that has become a familiar sight down The Hawthorns in recent years.
Brunt, who will play the 500th game of his career away at Burnley this weekend, has 75 assists from his 346 Albion appearances and nearly 50 of them have been in the Premier League.
But the versatile Northern Irishman is so much more than just a dead-ball specialist.
Brunt has adapted to life under several managers during his long spell at the Baggies. When Tony Mowbray signed him as a 22-year-old for £3million (plus £500,000 in add-ons) he was a wing-wizard with a devilish cross.
But over the years he’s had spells in central midfield and is now regularly employed at left-back.
The way he’s managed to adjust his game to different positions and different philosophies is testament to the hard-working footballing brain underneath that short blonde hair.
Brunt , who got an A*, an A, six Bs and a C at GCSE, has always been willing to learn. And with so many matches now under his belt, he has a wealth of experience to draw upon.
He’s also been willing to shoulder responsibility over the years. Whether that is by playing out position, wearing the captain’s armband, or dealing with criticism – Brunt has done it all.
The fact he remains one of the squad’s most important players, three years after he was booed off at Everton, is testament to his staying power and his work ethic.
And the outpouring of love from Albion fans after he was struck by a coin away at Reading last year proves the majority of supporters rightly appreciate his effort.
Not one for fuss, he was grateful, if slightly embarrassed, by the banner and the bucket collection that followed.
It may have been a rollercoaster at times, but Brunt has always ridden the ups and downs with humility and class. And the ride isn’t finished yet.
His left foot is already destined to go down in Albion folklore, but the man himself deserves to as well.
