Chris Brunt was a player whose left foot could unlock defences, whose deliveries were pinpoint, and whose commitment to the cause made him an enduring figure in English football for well over a decade.
PART ONE
Born in Belfast on December 14, 1984, Chris Brunt’s footballing journey began like many aspiring players in Northern Ireland. He developed his craft at Saint Andrew’s Boys’ Club before earning trials with both Rangers and Middlesbrough as a teenager.
While the allure of Ibrox never materialized into a professional deal, Middlesbrough saw enough in the left-footed youngster to bring him into their academy setup in 2001. However, despite his development in the Boro youth ranks, first-team opportunities were non-existent, and the young Northern Irishman found himself at a crossroads.
In March 2004, Brunt made the move to Sheffield Wednesday on a short-term deal, a decision that would provide him with his first taste of senior football. Soon after, he signed a permanent contract, and his importance to the Owls quickly became apparent. His debut season saw him play a pivotal role in Wednesday’s promotion from League One to the Championship in 2004–05, scoring five goals, four of which came in the league.
As his confidence grew, so too did his influence. By the 2005–06 season, Brunt had established himself as one of the club’s leading performers, finishing as the team’s top scorer with seven goals. His reputation as a set-piece specialist and a player capable of delivering precision crosses was beginning to grow, making him a key component of the side. However, contractual issues arose in 2007, with Sheffield Wednesday unable to meet his wage demands. As a result, it became inevitable that he would seek pastures new.
In August 2007, West Bromwich Albion secured Brunt’s signature in a deal worth £3 million. It would turn out to be one of the best pieces of business the club conducted in the modern era. Brunt slotted seamlessly into Tony Mowbray’s side, making his debut against Barnsley in September 2007. Later that month, he opened his goal scoring account for the Baggies with a strike against Scunthorpe United.
His impact during the 2007–08 campaign was immense, as Albion secured promotion to the Premier League. Brunt’s ability to influence high-pressure moments was evident when he scored a crucial equalizer against Southampton in April 2008, effectively sealing West Brom’s return to the top flight. His set-piece prowess was further showcased when he netted a stunning free kick against QPR to confirm automatic promotion.
The 2008–09 season saw Brunt finish as West Brom’s top scorer with nine goals, though his individual contributions could not prevent the club from suffering relegation. Nevertheless, he remained a key figure, and under Roberto Di Matteo’s management, he played an instrumental role in guiding the Baggies back to the Premier League in 2009–10, contributing 13 goals in all competitions—his most prolific campaign.
Brunt’s importance to the club was cemented when he was handed the captaincy in 2011 under Roy Hodgson. He led by example, balancing creative responsibility with defensive duties, and his performances helped West Brom secure an impressive 8th-place finish in 2012–13—the club’s best-ever Premier League standing.
PART TWO
With managerial changes at West Brom, Brunt remained a stalwart, providing a steadying presence through turbulent times. Even as his role evolved from an attacking winger to a deeper midfield presence and occasionally as a makeshift left-back, his quality on the ball never wavered.
One of his most memorable moments came against Aston Villa in 2015, when he scored a stunning long-range strike to help his side to victory. These flashes of brilliance, combined with his leadership, made him a fan favourite at The Hawthorns.
However, injuries began to take their toll. In February 2016, Brunt suffered a cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the season and, crucially, Northern Ireland’s historic Euro 2016 campaign—a cruel blow for a player who had given so much to his national team.
Despite this setback, he returned to action and continued to serve West Brom until 2020. In total, Brunt made 421 appearances for the club, scoring 49 goals and providing countless assists. His final years saw his playing time reduce, and in 2020, he moved to Bristol City for a brief spell before announcing his retirement in June 2021.
Brunt made his international debut for Northern Ireland in 2004 and would go on to earn 65 caps. While never the most flamboyant member of the squad, he was a reliable presence, offering width, deliveries, and composure. His omission from Euro 2016 due to injury was a heartbreaking moment, but his influence on Northern Irish football remains undeniable.
His ability to create goals from set-pieces was a crucial asset to the national team, particularly during their qualification campaign for major tournaments. Though he never got the chance to showcase his talents on the grandest stage, his contributions were invaluable in Northern Ireland’s resurgence as a competitive force.
Following his retirement, Brunt remained involved in football, taking up coaching roles and mentoring young players. His deep understanding of the game, honed over years of top-flight experience, made him a valuable asset in player development.