West Bromwich Albion club captain Chris Brunt says he knows how former coach Graeme Jones will get his Luton side to play against and the Baggies and hopes that can give them the edge in today’s Championship clash.
The pair were colleagues as recently as March, until Jones and manager Darren Moore were released, but the coach had already agreed a deal to become the new Town boss this summer.
Recognised for helping to mastermind an attacking style of football at The Hawthorns, Jones has got his Hatters team playing well, but they are searching for their first victory in the league.
Brunt, who celebrated 12 years at West Brom on Thursday, believes familiarity can be a benefit to his side.
“It was strange in that we learned around January/February time of last season that Graeme was going to be taking the Luton job this summer,” the Albion skipper told the Express & Star.
“He’s a man who is very passionate about what he coaches and the way he wants to play – he wants to play open, passing football and score lots of goals, even if it means there is a risk of conceding at the other end.
“So we know how Luton will play against us and it will be up to us to go there and exploit the opportunities that may come our way.”
Jones, was just hoping he doesn’t have to deal with the a Baggies side with Brunt included.
“Chris came on in one of the games I watched today. He came on against Millwall but his left foot is an absolute wand,” said the Town chief.
“To have that vitality he’s got for the game – I think Chris is maybe 35 now – he trained every day, he was a good lad, good pro and he’s West Brom through and through, so it’ll be good to see Chris at the weekend, hopefully he won’t be on the pitch, but you would never underestimate Chris Brunt.
