Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce should never be ruled out in the face of adversity.
That is the verdict of former Scotland, Rangers, Aston Villa and Birmingham boss Alex McLeish who has backed the Magpies' boss after a damaging week.
Pressure had been growing on Bruce after presiding over a run of just two wins in Newcastle's last 17 matches in all competitions.
And that has been intensified this week after reports in the national media revealed a bust-up between the United boss and winger Matt Ritchie and suggested there was a 'growing resentment' within the Magpies' squad towards their manager.
While Bruce acknowledged he had a disagreement with Ritchie, he slammed other accusations within the report as 'nonsense'.
It is far from the ideal preparation for Sunday's huge relegation six-pointer with West Brom, though, but McLeish is confident Bruce can turn things around at St James' Park.
“I would never rule Steve Bruce out," McLeish told Football Insider.
“Steve is a good friend and his accomplishment as a manager over the years has been excellent.
“He knows the game. He has to manage it the way he sees it and try to get the very best out the players.
“It was sad to hear about the bust-up with the player. Years ago these things would be kept within the dressing room. Now, we’ve got a new era of social media, things getting out.
“Everybody knows what’s happening within every club. Newcastle at the moment are in a wee bit of a spiral.
“It’s a shame Bruce has had this Matt Ritchie row. It seems a strange relationship.”
