West Brom appoint club legend Chris Brunt as academy coach

The 36-year-old, who played 421 times and scored 49 goals while winning three promotions to the Premier League, will assist under-23s chief Deon Burton.

Brunt’s return comes less than 12 months after he ended his 13-year playing spell at Albion last summer to join Bristol City, who he then left by mutual consent in January after being hit by injuries.

“I’m delighted to be able to begin coaching at the club I have called home for so many years of my playing career,” said Brunt.

“I’m grateful to the club, in particular Luke Dowling, for making this opportunity available to me.

“We began discussing this role at the start of the year when injury had ended my time with Bristol City and I’m looking forward to a new challenge.

“I hope I will be able to pass on my experiences to younger players making their way in the game.”

Brunt follows former Baggies team-mates James Morrison and Boaz Myhill in taking up coaching roles in the club’s youth ranks. Sporting and technical director Dowling is delighted to have him back.

“For Boaz and James it was important for them to test the water to see if coaching was for them and we’re delighted with the progress they have made in a relatively short period,” added Dowling.

“This is a similar opportunity for Chris to ensure coaching is the next step for him and we’re confident his wealth of knowledge of this football club, in particular, will benefit both parties as he makes the transition from player to coach.

“In Chris we have a professional who himself played academy football and he knows what it takes to play at the highest level. We are delighted to have him on board and we look forward to seeing him develop as a coach.”