Interviews

James Morrison: 'Saturday will be a celebration for everyone'

Mozza training

James Morrison says he and Chris Brunt feel a “great sense of pride” that the club and the community is coming together to honour their outstanding contribution to West Bromwich Albion this weekend.

The two Baggies heroes will go head-to-head at The Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon (ko 3pm) in the ‘Clash of the Legends’ charity match, with tickets still available to buy here.

Brunt and Morrison amassed 762 appearances between them for the Albion having both joined in the summer of 2007, and the former Scotland international midfielder believes the whole day will be one big celebration for all those in attendance. 

Mozza said: “What I think we’re both feeling is a great sense of pride really.

“It’s a big event for the club and for everyone involved, not just for me and Brunty. It’s also about the fans getting the chance to come and see some of the club’s former players. 

“We managed to build our success here, all as one, not as individuals.

“Saturday will be a celebration for everyone. Myself, Brunty, the supporters, the club and the former players who’ll love being back at The Hawthorns.

“Brunty and I can’t seem to get rid of each other. We were together in the youth team at Middlesbrough, signed here the same summer and obviously then spent more than a decade at the club together.

“It’ll be nice to be up against him for one last time.

“I’m certainly on the hunt for a victory. I want to be the one gloating because he keeps beating me at golf at the minute. He should be beating me though, given the amount of time he has on his hands.

“I’m going to have to get my shooting boots on and hopefully the lads on my team bring theirs too.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing so many old faces. Not just players, but the managers too, Tony Mowbray and Roberto Di Matteo.

“When you finish football, all you’ve got are the memories and we all shared some great memories together. As I say, it’ll be fantastic to see everyone and talk and laugh about all the times we had.” 

Albion are delighted to confirm a special match honouring Baggies legends Chris Brunt and James Morrison will take place in autumn 2022

All the proceeds from Saturday’s clash will be heading in the direction of the Albion Foundation.

Mozza, who has been involved in a number of the organisation’s initiatives during his time at The Hawthorns, believes it’s his “duty” to give back.

“I think it’s our duty. It’s about giving back. I think you’ve just got to look at the great work the Albion Foundation do and the great staff they’ve got there - the people that do tireless work for the community.

“That’s what the football club should be about, the community and we pride ourselves on that and our Foundation is probably up there with the best in the business. 

“We’ve just got to drive that forward, because it takes a lot of effort, time and money to run. Saturday will go towards that and Brunty and I are just so pleased that we can try and raise valuable funds for them.”

  • Morrison