James Morrison: Chris Brunt assured of legend status at West Brom

But Morrison says his friend and former team-mate can depart safe in the knowledge he is now a Baggies legend.

The pair, who both came through the youth ranks at Middlesbrough, signed for Albion within a week of each other in August 2007.

And over the next decade they cemented themselves as fan favourites – thanks to their talent on the pitch and the way they conducted themselves off it.

Morrison is now a coach with Albion’s under-23s having retired back in October, while it was announced last week Brunt will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

“It’s going to be really strange for Brunty when he does walk away and it will be strange for the fans as well,” Morrison said.

“You can only describe it as an end of an era. The supporters are used to seeing him and being a part of things.

“It’s a shame for everyone really he is moving on but he will leave a modern day legend.

“He has made more than 400 appearances, won promotions, scored beautiful goals, got assists and skippered the team. And he has stuck with the club through thick and thin.

“I think both of us have built our careers on working hard and having a good attitude.

“We tried not to cause too much trouble. We had our opinions. But we only ever acted in the best interests of the club.

“I think fans know Chris has always had the best interests of the club at heart.

“That’s why they are going to be so sad to see him go whilst also wishing him the best of luck for the future.”

Morrison and Brunt plan to hold a joint testimonial in the future.

The match, which will take place at The Hawthorns – will draw a bumper crowd.

And that is something the duo could never have expected when they first joined the club 13-years ago.

“It’s funny because we both came through the youth ranks at Middlesbrough together,” Morrison added.

“I’d signed the week before and I was on the phone to him telling him to come as well.

“I think I just wanted a buddy really. I’d only been at the club five minutes so there wasn’t a lot I could tell him!

“But he joined and I had 12 years playing and he’s had 13.

“It will be great to do the testimonial and play in front of the fans again.

“It’s been pushed back a few times but we’ll get there.

“We’ve had other long-serving players like Gareth McAuley, Claudio Yacob and Boaz Myhill as well so it will be good if we can get them involved too.”