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NEWCASTLE UNITED owner Mike Ashley is said to love a bit of creative conflict to get the juices flowing.

So he’s the one man unlikely to be massively bothered by Steve Bruce’s training-ground shoulder-barging, “coward” insulting bust-up with Matt Ritchie this week.

One senior former Toon employee used to come off the phone with the Sports Direct tycoon (below), after a blazing discussion, to be told it sounded like he was to be axed.

Next day it was all forgotten. Everyone on their toes and pressing on with the urgent job at hand. Which is what Bruce wants this today against West Brom.

But Ashley will be keeping abreast of how far the genuine concern among a section of Newcastle players manifests itself in results.

Aston Villa and Brighton are next up. There is an element who believe Bruce sidesteps blame for defeats. Cracks have appeared, and Bruce’s multi-club career means that stories of his past sackings have been swapped, some saying history is repeating itself.

Bruce used the phrase “circle the wagons” on Friday as he blasted back at claims he gives players too many days off, at negativity of reporters, and at anyone who dares to leak information from his training ground.

He remained calm and calculated throughout. Question is whether the same clarity can be found in results?

His side have played fairly well for several weeks – but still only have two wins in 17 games all told.

They have created chances, been on the front foot and got the ball into the box, which they miserably didn’t do for the previous two months.

My belief is Newcastle will avoid relegation, getting far enough ahead of Fulham in the next few weeks.

But the toxic inquest over Bruce’s reign will continue into the summer when Ashley has a decision to make.