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Steve Bruce has blasted the ‘disgusting’ leak of a training ground bust-up between himself and Matt Ritchie.
The Newcastle United boss confirmed to talkSPORT that he was involved in a fall-out with the midfielder earlier this week.
He insists the matter with Ritchie is closed but is angry news of the incident got out, declaring it ‘treason’ to leak such stories.
Asked if he was interested in working out who the mole is, Bruce said: “I’ve got more to important things to do than trying to find out.
“We’re all disappointed, of course we are, and why wouldn’t we be? It borders on treason, if you like. It’s disgusting.
“But I’ve got more important things [to deal with]. We’ve got a big game coming up [against West Brom]. I’m convinced, no matter what you read, that the squad are 100 per cent behind myself, as I am towards them.
“We have played very, very well in last few weeks and it’s gone unnoticed. So we’ve got to keep at it.
“We know unfortunately it’s difficult at times, but we have to stay together.
“I’ll do my utmost to make sure the players are 100 per cent on board and I’m 100 per cent with them.”
Ritchie is alleged to have called Bruce a ‘coward’ after being left furious at being criticised by his manager following the 1-1 draw at Wolves at the weekend.
They clashed at training on Tuesday, with the Mail revealing all the details.
Bruce added: “There is no denying that I’ve had a row, fallout, whatever you want to call it, with Matt Richie. It was all done and dusted and we moved on from that.
“These things happen in training grounds up and down the country, every other week.
“We have somebody close to us who is informing a reporter, who delights in writing negativity, certainly about myself and the club.
“He enjoys it. That’s the disappointing thing. These things happen in training grounds, with men in particular, very, very often. That’s what we have to deal with.”
Bruce also refuted claims that he himself had leaked a story that he was to replace keeper Karl Darlow with Martin Dubravka ahead of last weekend’s game.
He said: “If I thought I would do that, I would resign tomorrow. It’s simply not true.
“It’s unfair on Karl and arguably, over the last 18 months, that’s been the most difficult decision I’ve had to make.”
It’s hardly been the ideal preparation for Newcastle as they head to relegation rivals West Brom on Sunday.
But Bruce remains up for the fight and insists he has never thought about walking away.
“Do I feel like walking away? Definitely not. Not at all,” he said.
“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 always knew things would be tough. Maybe it’s tougher than I thought, but I always knew it was going to be tough.
“It’s a tough gig this one, there’s no disputing that. But I’ll try my best, like I always do, to make sure that we’re OK.”
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