Results not good enough says Ritchie

MATT Ritchie says the team spirit at Newcastle United cannot be faulted - but admits the team have fallen short with results.

The recalled Toon winger has spoken for the second time in the space of a few days and insists the team are focused on the “business end” of the campaign.

However, he pointed to the “intensity” and “purpose” of the team in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham when asked if Sunday’s game and the trip to Brighton could be compared.

Ritchie said: “I think it was a good performance on Sunday.

“A change of system suited us against a very good team and yeah it was a good performance and a point, hopefully a good point.”

On what the difference between Brighton and Spurs was, Ritchie replied: “They were different games and I don’t think you can compare them.

“We played with intensity against Spurs and pressed when we had the ball. We played with real purpose.”

Ritchie spent almost two months out of Steve Bruce’s side and the head coach recently confirmed there had been a row at the training ground.

Although those on the football circuit will tell you disputes behind the scenes at training grounds are common.

Ritchie added: “I have been champing at the bit to get back in.

“I worked hard in training and luckily enough I got back in the team.

“Now I have to keep my shirt and perform as it is the business end of the season.

“Performances from everyone need to be high now.

“Hopefully we can pick up points and the bare minimum each week is to work hard.

“We need to play with a desire and a mentality to win the game.

“As we have found out in the Premier League, if you don’t do that and don’t have quality as well you won’t get results.

“I don’t think that is in question for the lads, I think we give everything, week in, week out but we have fallen short in terms of the results.”

When asked about team spirit, Ritchie said: “Of course it is good.

“The performance was good at the weekend.

“We now look towards Burnley who we know are a good team.

“They have their philosophy and their style but we will look to implement our style on them.”