Defiant Bruce brands bust-up leak ‘treason’

Steve Bruce has compared the act of leaking colourful details of his training-ground row with Matt Ritchie to “treason” as he looks to bring a tempestuous week to an end with victory against West Bromwich Albion.

Bruce delivered an extraordinary press conference yesterday in which he insisted his bust-up with Ritchie had been put behind them and spoke of his determination to remain as Newcastle manager.

A team meeting yesterday is said to have been passionate but productive, with sources claiming this week’s events have provided extra motivation ahead of the next game.

“I’ve got more important things to do than trying to find out [who the leak was from]”, said Bruce, who is angry, but also hurt by a sense of betrayal. “We’re all disappointed, of course we are, and why wouldn’t we be? It borders on treason, if you like. It’s disgusting.”

Bruce, though, is hoping the anger also generated among his players will prove to be a positive.

“When you’re up against that, you always believe you can circle the wagons,” he said.

“The disappointing thing for me personally, and the club, is that unfortunately the so-called journalist has got a source. Fair enough, but to try and derail us and cause all this noise before a big game, we could do without it.

“We have a big game coming up at the weekend and let’s concentrate on that and make sure that we can get a result.”

Asked if the talk of a civil war at the club could force him out, Bruce was defiant. “Do I feel like walking away? Definitely not. Not at all. More than ever, I’m 100 per cent committed to trying to get us out of the trouble we’re in. I think the players are too. I’ve got 100 per cent faith in them, and I think that remains vital to us. So, no, just because things get tough [I won’t walk away].

“I sincerely hope so [that I will be at the club next season], but that’s for others to decide.

“But I am determined to crack on and stay with it – I’m never going to walk away from it – and accept the challenge of how difficult it is to manage Newcastle.”