The Albion Foundation will welcome Albion legends Chris Brunt and James Morrison for the second-ever Pukka Night on Friday, January 24, 2025.
Signing for Albion just one week apart in August of 2007, Brunt and Morrison usually came as a pair during their long-term spells at The Hawthorns
Born in Darlington, Morrison joined the Baggies after breaking into the first team at Middlesbrough. Meanwhile, Belfast-born Brunt also came through the academy on Teesside, before switching to Sheffield Wednesday where he would make over 150 appearances prior to his Albion move.
Brunt made his Albion debut in a 2-0 win over Barnsley at The Hawthorns, whilst Morrison’s bow came in a narrow defeat to Burnley on the opening day of the 2007/08 campaign. Under the stewardship of fans’ favourite Tony Mowbray, the pair would guide the Baggies back to the Premier League, contributing nine goals during a title winning campaign.
The total included Brunt’s promotion-sealing free-kick against Queen’s Park Rangers, and Morrison’s piledriving 20-yard strike at Blackpool – named Albion’s Goal of the Season for that campaign.
After relegation in 08/09, despite Brunt’s nine goals - the duo were on hand to secure an instant return back to the promised land with Roberto Di Matteo, finishing second and well ahead of the chasing play-off pack. Once again, Brunt had his say during a promotion-clinching clash, scoring the second goal in a 3-2 win over Doncaster Rovers, which reestablished the Baggies in the top flight.
A welcome return to the Premier League awaited, and it would be a stay that would last almost until the end of both players’ Albion careers. During the 2010/11 season, Brunt and Morrison had a sizeable say in the club’s comfortable survival, ending the campaign eight points above the drop zone.
Morrison hit scorching strikes against Birmingham City and Manchester United en route to an 11th-placed finish, meanwhile Brunt notched his memorable free-kick at Goodison Park. Another positive campaign followed, including the double over Black Country rivals Wolves, Brunt scored in the home fixture, whilst Morrison appeared in both wins, including the iconic 5-1 victory at Molineux.
In 2012/13 under Steve Clarke, the pair encouraged a best-ever season in the Premier League, finishing eighth with a club record 49 points and 14 wins. The campaign included iconic scalps against Liverpool (2) and Chelsea, culminating in a top-flight game for the history books with a 5-5 draw with Manchester United.
As the Baggies’ Premier League golden years continued, Brunt and Morrison were ever-present, reliable options at the heart of a strengthened unit. The former kept the captain’s armband throughout this period and was a trusted leader under various managers.
Brunt rivalled some of the best in the world for a spot amongst the top assisters in the division in 2014/15, as new manager Tony Pulis profited heavily from the Northern Irishman’s delivery from set-pieces. He would go on to finish third in the Premier League assist ranks that season.
After Albion’s near-decade spell in the top-flight came to an end, the pair stayed at the club to bolster the next two Championship campaigns. Morrison retired at the club in 2019, whilst Brunt remained until promotion in 2019/20 under Slaven Bilic.
762 combined appearances, and 87 goals later, Brunt and Morrison continue to play a crucial role within the club. The former becoming part of the interim first-team coaching unit throughout the festive period, and the latter a pivotal part of the Academy set up.
The duo will reunite in support of The Albion Foundation for the first time since Clash of Legends in 2022.
Be sure to grab your tickets quickly and ensure you’re front and centre for an evening to remember with two Albion heroes.
You can secure your seat at this Pukka Night which includes a choice of Pukka pie and a drink for £30. You can also purchase a seat at each of our three Pukka Nights including a choice of Pukka pie and a drink* for £75.
Tables of 10, including a choice of Pukka Pie and a drink* can be purchased for £250. The Pukka Night will begin at 7:30pm and dress code is casual.
Please note that these evenings are aimed at an adult audience and may contain strong language which may be inappropriate for younger attendees.
Click here to book your tickets online.
If you have any queries, please email: events@albionfoundation.co.uk
*Please note, our drink offer is limited to a selected list which includes soft drinks or a 330ml beer or cider.