Former Sheffield Wednesday hero Chris Brunt calls time on his playing career

The Northern Ireland international called time on a 17-year playing career which included 148 appearances for Wednesday and 25 goals – many of them spectacular.

Known for his ‘wand of a left foot’, Brunt left Wednesday after three years at Hillsborough for West Brom where he would spend the vast majority of the rest of his career, notching up 421 appearances and scoring 49 goals.

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In a statement issued through West Brom he thanked everyone who helped him along the way in career, including those at Wednesday.

It read: “The time has come for me to officially hang up my boots and retire from a game that has given me so much since I first kicked a ball back in Belfast in the late 80s.

“I feel so privileged to have enjoyed the career I have had and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way for their support.

“The last couple of seasons have been difficult due to a lack of playing time, and unfortunately, injuries. I’ve also had the opportunity to begin a coaching role at the club I hold dearest, so now feels like the right time to retire.

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“I’d like to thank all my coaches, staff and teammates from Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, West Bromwich Albion, Bristol City and Northern Ireland, for helping me along the way. I’ve appreciated all the support and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it (well, nearly every minute!).

“As a young boy growing up in Belfast it was always my dream to be a professional football player and I’m so grateful I’ve been able to live out that dream for the best part of 20 years.

“In the future I look forward to focusing on my coaching role with Albion’s academy - but away from football it’s time for me to also enjoy some long-overdue free time with my family, who have supported me unconditionally throughout my career.

“It’s been a pleasure.”

Brunt has recently been working for West Brom’s academy after cutting short a spell at Bristol City through injury.