Mike Ashley applause could be heard ringing around the London Stadium after Newcastle United's 2-0 win over West Ham.
His critics may not like it, but the reality is if Ashley has the bug back at United - something he's not had since his early days in charge - it could benefit Newcastle in the remainder of this window.
Ashley thought he would have been history at United now but the Middle East consortium's bid fell through and he remains the man in charge.
This was Ashley's first game since the 3-2 FA Cup win at West Brom and his first Premier League away day for over a year.
When asked about Ashley's applause at the end of the 2-0 win, Bruce said: "Yeah good. I hope he enjoys it and he deserves to enjoy it too.
"He enjoyed watching his team win which is what we are all in it for.
"It helps that at the right time he flexed his muscles and we have now seen the benefit of them."
Ashley watched on after two of the club's summer signings grabbed vital debut goals in Callum Wilson and Jeff Hendrick.
Bruce believes both of them fit the bill this summer.
Bruce added: "Everybody concerned at the club felt that at this particular time, with the big huge loss that every football club has occurred. We need people who are stick ons.
"People who can play in the Premier League. We all agree that this is the best way forward.
"It's always a thing when if they are proven quality in the Premier League then it takes away the risk.
"How often have we seen a player from abroad taking time to adjust, getting used the climate or this or that.
"We needed who could hit the ground running. On the evidence of West Ham I think we were right."
