Brunt delighted Baggies will again be able to call on defender's experience
CHRIS Brunt says it is a huge boost Albion will still be able to call on the services of Steven Reid next season.The 32-year-old Baggies right-back, whose contract was due to expire on June 30, this week put pen to paper on a new one-year Hawthorns deal.
And Brunt insists having Reid’s experience, know-how and resilience around the squad will be invaluable as they head into an unprecedented fourth successive Barclays Premier League campaign.
“I’m delighted he’s extended his stay,” said the Baggies skipper.
“He’s a good lad and a good pro.
“He’s a good lad to have around.
“From the outside people don’t probably realise how much of an affect that has on the group.
“We’ve got a good bunch of pros and an experienced group, which makes a difference to day-to-day at the training ground.
“You know what you’re going to get from Reidy.
“He’s a good leader and we need characters like that.
“He’s proved that over the last few seasons here.
“I’m sure everyone is delighted he’s staying.
“He’ll be looking forward to pre-season, getting himself fully fit and raring to go again.
“I’m sure he was disappointed by the games he missed last season and will want to prove he is ready to play again.
“He looks after himself well, he’s usually the first one in and the last to leave from the gym.
“When he suffers set-backs it never seems to affect him – he just gets on with it.
“That’s the sort of attitude and character you need in the football club.
“And, at his age, he is someone to look up to.”