BRUCE HITS BACK AFTER DRAMATIC WEEK

STEVE Bruce has responded to reports of unrest at Newcastle United’s training ground – but insists the situation has been blown out of proportion.

Ahead of tomorrow’s clash with West Brom, Bruce held a candid press conference via a Zoom link to journalists and did not hold back after a stormy week on Tyneside.

During an intense media call, Bruce said he would “resign” if he had been responsible for leaking the story that Karl Darlow was dropped before the player had been told.

Bruce also insisted:

■ HE did argue with Matt Ritchie but the spat has now be resolved after an apology from the player.

■ AN investigation over who the leaker is at Newcastle is underway.

■ SUGGESTIONS the players have been having too many days off is “ridiculous” and was decided by the club’s sports science team.

■ HE would not walk away from his job – despite recent pressures

The press conference kicked off with a question about the Ritchie row, Bruce said: “There is no denying I had a row with Matt Ritchie.

“That happens at training grounds up and down the country. “Unfortunately, it becomes blown out of proportion. Matt apologised and it is over.

“It happens but ours leak into the media and causes a frenzy with a big game coming up. “The following day Matt trained well and apologised in front of the staff and the players.” Bruce was then pressed on how the Darlow story emerged in public two days before the goakeeper had learned of being axed.

The Darlow situation had also irked the players before the Ritchie row erupted after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wolves.

Bruce added: “The story about Darlow that I would go to a newspaper with an exclusive is not true.

“It is disgusting and if I went to a newspaper I would resign.”

Bruce went on to address the leaks at the club which have resulted in national and local back-page headlines.

He said: “There is a source feeding stuff. We are looking into to it to find the culprit.”

When asked whether it was coming from within the four walls at United, Bruce said: “It has to be.”