Exclusive: Championship clubs will be queuing up to sign West Brom ace – ex-Baggie
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Championship clubs will be “queuing up” to sign Chris Brunt once his contract expires at West Brom, according to Kevin Phillips.
The Express & Star has reported that Stoke City are in pole position to sign the 35-year-old after it was announced last week that he’ll be leaving The Hawthorns at the end of the season.
Blackburn were also reported to be keen on signing Brunt but Phillips can see a whole host of second-tier clubs trying to land the former Northern Ireland international on a free transfer.
“Chris has been in the Midlands now for a long time so I would assume, having been in that situation myself, that logistically it might work for him,” Phillips told West Brom News. “He won’t have to move home.
“In terms of that, it would make sense.
“On the pitch, it’s been a struggle for Stoke for the last two seasons so does he really want to go somewhere and be in a relegation fight? You’d like to think Stoke won’t be by the time next season kicks off.
“Only time will tell but I’m sure that Stoke won’t be the only team interested in him. There’ll be a host of Championship clubs that would offer him a year, maybe two years for his services because we all know when he’s playing, he’s got that bit between his teeth and one of the best left foots this country has seen.
“There’ll be a few queuing up for him.”
By the time the season ends, Brunt could have three promotions to the Premier League on his CV, as well as at least 200 Championship appearances.
Although the former Sheffield Wednesday winger turns 36 later this year, he is adamant he has enough left in the tank to have another season playing before calling a day on his career.
Other clubs will know that and see Brunty as a player who can add a lot of experience and leadership to their sides.
Stoke definitely need the leadership aspect that the 35-year-old brings with them being in complete disarray since their relegation.
Although plenty of Championship clubs might want to sign Brunt, we can’t see him heading anywhere other that Stoke after almost joining them in January.
In other West Brom news, an EFL manager has declared interested in signing this 23-year-old from the Baggies.
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