Steve Bruce is being rewarded by Mike Ashley for not kicking up a fuss when it comes to transfers and other demands such as the training ground.
That's the view of Chronicle Live columnist John Gibson, who believes Bruce is yet to be sacked at Newcastle United because he doesn't lay any demands, at least in public, at the door of Ashley.
It's a far cry from Bruce's predecessor, Rafa Benitez, who would often air his frustrations in public to try and force the hand of the owner.
Speaking on The Everything is Black and White Podcast, Gibbo said: "I think the loyalty that's been rewarded by Mike Ashley is that Steve Bruce has not agitated, been aggressive or been on the phone regularly to his owner to put things right at St. James' Park.
"That was the mistake in Ashley's eyes that Benitez made - he didn't walk quietly into the sunset instead he kicked along the way against the traces.
"Steve Bruce hasn't done that - and doesn't do that. He hasn't given any problems whatsoever to Mike Ashley, and the owner likes that."
It's understood that Ashley is offering his support to Bruce despite a run of only two wins in the last 20 games across all competitions and the embarrassing three-nil defeat to relegation rivals Brighton last weekend.
Gibbo - who has covered United for the last 50 years - is wondering why Ashley's loyalty isn't to the fans and the club.
"Ashley's interest in Newcastle is limited to 'can I beat the Premier League and get this club sold?'
"It's not a genuine interest though.
"It's very late in the day to do the best by the fans and the club - the last people that Mike Ashley is loyal to are the fans.
"They love the club from cradle to grave and fill out St James' Park without any hint of success at any stage and yet they are dismissed.
"There's no loyalty shown to the fans, and the only loyalty shown is convenient loyalty to the manager.
"Mike Ashely has to decide enough is enough and that friendship, loyalty and all the nice things that don't matter.
"He has a responsibility to the club and to the fans."
