Chris Brunt reportedly reached his breaking point at the weekend.
After being left out of the starting XI by manager Alan Pardew for West Brom’s defeat to Huddersfield, Brunt came off the bench to set up Craig Dawson’s consolation goal.
The 2-1 defeat now leaves the Baggies well short of safety at the bottom of the Premier League table, a full six points behind Stoke City, who are in 19th place.
West Brom have lost five consecutive games in all competitions, with the pressure ramping up on Pardew, who only took over at the Hawthorns three months ago.
Pardew got an earful from Brunt in the dressing room on Saturday, according to a report in the Express & Star, as the Northern Ireland international criticised his manager’s decision to stick with a 4-4-2 formation against Huddersfield’s five-man midfield.
Brunt also laid into his teammates for underperforming and demanded more as the relegation battle intensifies.
The 33-year-old was praised for his contribution and heart as a substitute on Saturday and fans certainly appreciated Brunt’s decision to walk around the pitch and applaud their support.
Sir Chris Brunt. pic.twitter.com/jkcb0xKBp5
— Matthew (@mattr1990) February 24, 2018
The latest report of unrest at West Brom follows the recent news of four senior players – namely Jonny Evans, Gareth Barry, Jake Livermore and Boaz Myhill – stealing a taxi during the club’s training camp in Spain.
Evans was briefly stripped of the captain’s armband but was reinstated as skipper for the Huddersfield game.
Although fans are now calling for Brunt to be made captain because nobody seems to be taking the fight for survival more seriously than the consummate professional.
Well done Chris Brunt 👏👏👏👏👏 Now that's captain material. #givehimthearmband
— Keiron Hazlehurst (@kmhwba) February 26, 2018
Can’t really understand why Jonny Evans has remained captain and Chris Brunt our most loyal and professional player doesn’t even start!!! Time for Brunty to be given back the armband!!!! #bruntyforcaptain
— Robbo (@Baggieboy75Mike) February 25, 2018
So much love Chris Brunt. ❤💜 My opinion of the club's situation is no reflection of my admiration for you. Always my choice captain #wba #respect #baggies
— Amy 🇮🇪💚☘ (@xAmesLouDx) February 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/baggyboy1878/status/967497173372932098
Chris Brunt should be captain and deserves a new contract more than anyone. Fuck the others, apart from Foster and Rondon as they were the only 3 to stay after the final whistle, cunts
— Callum ≅ (@CallumWBA_) February 24, 2018
2 questions for Pardew……why is chris Brunt not captain……why did you not start chris Brunt
— Pat Frost (@KitmanPat) February 24, 2018
