Baggies skipper pledges long-term future to the club
CHRIS Brunt has pledged his long-term future to Albion by signing a new-and-improved three-year contract.
The Baggies earlier this summer activated a 12-month option on the midfielder’s pre-existing deal and Brunt has now put pen to paper on fresh terms.
The Northern Ireland international’s three-year contract means he is committed to The Hawthorns until June 2017.
Albion head coach Alan Irvine said: “I’m delighted we have extended Chris’ contract by a further two years.
“He’s our captain, has great quality and experience and is clearly a very, very important player for us.
“Chris is an influential figure both on and off the pitch. He has the respect of all the players and staff and is a top class professional.”
Brunt is currently the Baggies’ second longest-serving first-team regular, having moved to The Hawthorns in August 2007.
He recently returned to action from a pre-season groin operation and his next competitive appearance for the club will be his 250th in all competitions.
He is also Albion’s second-top Premier League goalscorer, with 20 to his name, and regularly figures highly in the top-flight chart for goal assists.
The 29-year-old took over the captain’s armband from Scott Carson during the 2010/11 campaign and has remained skipper under Roy Hodgson, Steve Clarke, Pepe Mel and now Irvine.
He boasts vital derby goals against Villa and Wolves during his time with the Baggies.
But his most memorable goal for the club remains his point-saving strike as a substitute against Southampton in the penultimate league game of the 2007/08 season, which effectively sealed Albion's automatic promotion back to the top flight.
In his first Premier League season with the Baggies he scored nine goals and was voted Players’ Player of the Year.