Former Sheffield Wednesday fan favourite released by Championship rivals

The Northern Irish international was signed to Albion from Hillsborough in 2007 after his performances from the left-wing had made him a firm fan favourite at the club.

Brunt, 35, scored 25 goals across 147 appearances in all competitions for the Owls and played a starring role in their 2005 League One playoff final win over Hartlepool.

His signing cost West Brom a whopping £3m plus a reported £500,000 in add-ons, making him one of Wednesday’s most lucrative departures after he arrived on a free transfer from Middlesbrough in 2004.

Brunt’s involvement with the first-team dwindled this season under Slaven Bilic. The news brings to an end an epic 13-year career at the Hawthorns that saw him make over 400 appearances.

West Brom chief executive Mark Jenkins said in the club’s announcement said: “It’s the end of a long road during which we have all watched Chris become one of our great servants and players.

“I think it has been a great ‘marriage’ - Albion have been good for Chris and Chris has been good for Albion.

“In a perfect world, he would be able to say farewell at a packed Hawthorns and receive the ovation he deserves. Hopefully, we can see that happen at some future point.

“But for now, Chris should know he has the admiration and appreciation of everyone at the Club for his contribution.”

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