Chris Brunt once named the best West Brom atmosphere he experienced in his entire career | OneFootball

The Baggies icon revealed the best atmosphere he has ever experienced as a player.

Throughout their illustrious history, West Brom have been involved in some classic matches that supporters will remember for the rest of their lives.

And with those matches, many Albion legends have played in them, helping them go on their way to cementing themselves in West Brom folklore.

And one man who will undoubtedly go down as a legend is former Baggies midfielder Chris Brunt, who was a stalwart in their most consistent spell in the Premier League.

Still working at the club and holding a deep connection to everybody connected to it, Brunt himself has been involved in so many exciting and memorable matches while donning the famous blue and white stripes.

Many of those will have been at The Hawthorns, with the atmosphere undoubtedly electric when those games have been played at such a frenetic intensity.

With this in mind, Brunt reflected in March 2025 on the best atmosphere he’s ever been involved with as a player, referencing a dramatic victory for the Baggies in the top-flight some years ago.

Chris Brunt’s iconic West Brom spell

Chris Brunt would go on to spend an incredible 13 seasons with West Brom following a reported £3m move from Sheffield Wednesday, amassing 421 appearances and recording 49 goals and 89 assists in all competitions.

In his opening season, Brunt went on to score the all-important equalising goal against Southampton to help the club clinch promotion to the Premier League in the 2007-08 season under Tony Mowbray.

With effortless quality generated with his left foot, Brunt conjured up some magical strikes in Albion’s eight-year stay in the Premier League, producing a sensational free-kick at Everton in 2010 as well as thumping in a left-footed effort in October 2011 against bitter Black Country rivals Wolves.

Brunt would also go on to become one of the top assist-makers in the top-flight, with his 49 assists putting him above the likes of Harry Kane, Sergio Agüero and Paolo Di Canio.

Brunt’s versatility also contributed to his longevity in the Albion XI under many different regimes, frequently occupying the left midfield role, but was also used regularly in a whole host of positions, including right midfield, central midfield and left-back.

For over a decade, Brunt helped Albion earn three promotions from the Championship, spent eight years in the Premier League and reached an FA Cup semi-final, with such accolades demonstrating his legendary status in the blue and white stripes, with the Baggies getting such an accomplished player for such a measly fee.

Chris Brunt names best-ever West Brom atmosphere

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Through those 421 appearances, Chris Brunt recalled the best atmosphere he’s ever experienced as a player.

He noted their dramatic 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the back end of their Premier League campaign in the 2017-18 season.

The Baggies scored a late goal as Jake Livermore bundled the ball over the line to spark pandemonium in the stands, as hope began to rekindle that they could survive after a resurgent run under caretaker boss Darren Moore.

Speaking to journalist Will Burford in March 2025, Brunt reflected on that famous game, saying: “I remember speaking about that at the time. I think that’s the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced anywhere in football there at The Hawthorns. That day was unbelievable, when everything is against you and then you win the game.

“I think we sort of got a good thing going again there, after Darren Moore took over; we got a few good results in the backend of the season. That was an unbelievable atmosphere. It’s just a shame that things were out of our hands at that stage.”

West Brom edged out Tottenham Hotspur to spark survival dreams

After such a poor season under a combination of Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew that season, the Baggies had given the keys to caretaker boss Darren Moore for the final few games, and it was clear the players were fighting for the badge under his leadership, while Moore possessed so much passion for the role given he’d been a former defender at The Hawthorns.

Winning just three matches all term before stepping into the role, Moore won three and drew two of his first five games in interim charge, sparking belief that they could miraculously come from the brink to secure survival.

Victories away at Manchester United, Newcastle United and then Tottenham Hotspur had the fans bouncing, but unfortunately, they’d given themselves too much to do by that point, as Southampton’s 1-0 win at Swansea City cemented their place back in the Championship.

However, after such positivity generated by Moore’s arrival, he was handed the full-time job in the second tier the following season, although he was sacked in March 2019 after a draw against then basement-boys Ipswich Town, with Albion fourth in the table.

Chris Brunt remains one of most recognisable Baggies figures

Fast-forward from his playing days and Chris Brunt remains one of Albion’s most recognisable figures.

Brunt still holds a dear fondness for the club, remaining their 'Loans Manager', responsible for overseeing the development of all players who are currently out on temporary loan spells away from The Hawthorns.

Meanwhile, he also stepped into an interim role of leading the first-team squad when Carlos Corberan departed just after Christmas in 2024. Brunt went on to manage six matches, winning one, drawing three and losing two, with the Albion side going on the decline as the playing squad were rocked by the Spaniard’s departure.

Both on and off the pitch, Brunt will always be remembered as an Albion legend, with so many years of service to this club gratefully appreciated through thick and thin times.