Chris Brunt happy to learn on the job at West Brom
Club legend Chris Brunt admits to finding himself on a steep learning curve after joining Albion’s coaching staff.
Brunt returned to The Hawthorns earlier this month, agreeing to become assistant to under-23s boss Deon Burton, initially until the end of the season.
The 36-year-old first held talks with Baggies sporting director Luke Dowling after problems with a calf injury saw him released by Bristol City in January.
Brunt said: “At the time all I wanted to do was rehab but as the time went on more and more it (coaching) was something I thought I should have a go at.
“I am delighted Albion have given me the opportunity, at the moment till the end of the season.
“It has been good so far. It has been different. There are little bits and pieces that you don’t see as a player I am now experiencing as one of the coaches.
“I know Deon from playing with him at Sheffield Wednesday and from a couple of seasons ago when he stepped up to help the first-team staff.
“It has been OK so far. There have been a lot of games, straight in at the deep end. But it has been good.”
Brunt, who scored 49 goals in 421 appearances during a 13-year stay at The Hawthorns before leaving last summer, is keeping his long-term options open for now.
The Northern Ireland international has long considered a move into coaching following retirement, including spending time working on his UEFA A licence a decade ago.
He believes hands-on practice will now allow him to make an informed decision on his future.
Brunt continued: “I’m learning as I go. We have meetings in the morning with the academy staff, sports science and physios.
“It is different watching from the sidelines. You try and watch specific things rather than the whole game.
“It is definitely a learning curve but one that as a player you don’t really think about. As you get older you do think about it more and it had probably been in my thoughts for the last six months or so. I am going to give it my all to the end of the season.
“At the minute, with the Covid situation, it is the ideal thing for both parties.
“Deon hasn’t had a lot of help since Mozza (James Morrison) got moved up to the first team, so it helps the club in that way.
“It also gives me some experience of the other side of the game. To be honest my plan was to play on as long as possible with Bristol City but injury dictated otherwise.
“I am grateful the club has given me the opportunity to come back in. Whether it is for three months or three years hopefully I can pass on a bit of what I learned to the young lads coming through.”
