Sam Allardyce backs Chris Brunt to help lay West Brom foundations

Club legend Brunt, who made more than 400 appearances before ending a 13-year stay at The Hawthorns last summer, was last week appointed assistant to under-23s boss Deon Burton.

The 36-year-old has followed in the footsteps of former team-mate James Morrison, who joined the club’s academy after retiring in 2019. He was subsequently promoted to the first-team coaching staff when Allardyce replaced Slaven Bilic as boss in December.

Long-serving goalkeeper Boaz Myhill has also been cutting his coaching teeth by training the club’s young shot-stoppers.

Allardyce believes having former players of their experience and knowledge on board can only be of benefit to the club in the long-term.

He said: “We brought up Mozza (Morrison) from the academy and that has been great for him and great for us. He knows West Brom inside out.

“His replacement (Brunt) is a player who has served West Brom exceptionally well. We have the goalkeeping coach, Boaz Myhill, as well who has been with us. I think that is only good for the backbone of the club in the future.”

Former club captain Brunt scored 49 goals in 421 appearances for Albion, was part of three promotion-winning campaigns and played an integral role in the Baggies’ eight-year Premier League stay between 2010 and 2018.

He joined Bristol City after leaving last summer but agreed to terminate his contract at Ashton Gate in January following a season blighted by injuries.

Albion technical director Luke Dowling said: “In Chris we have a professional who himself played academy football and knows what it takes to play at the highest level. We are delighted he is on board.”