I think Brunt completely in the right here, regardless of whether Wilkins or Pardew like it or not.
Playing the two in central midfield on several occasions against teams fielding a extra man in there is downright stupid. Southampton made us look daft when we used a 4-4-2 two games on the trot and Pardew STILL picked that system against Huddersfield. Not to mention 4-4-2 is such an antiquated formation in football now, yet no surprise it's being employed by Pardew. Doesn't have a plan b in his locker.
The reporter from the Express and Star is the guy who broke the news so it would be interesting to find out who leaked the info to the press. No doubt under different circumstances this kind of a bust up would be kept under wraps, but fair play to the reporter for sticking his neck out and publishing the story despite obviously taking a big risk career wise to do so. Likely his source will be keeping schtum from now on!
Can't fault Brunt at all though. I think there would be a fair few in the ground who'd have given the same bollocking to the team given the chance after the game .The bloke would probably bleed blue and white stripes if you cut him, clearly one of a dying breed of player who is playing FOR the club and not just themselves and out for cash.
All this even after the coining incident at Reading and coming in for stick from quite a few fans at times in his career.
Top bloke in my book and a top player as well. His assist record doesn't lie. One of the modern greats of our club imo