Paul Robinson has claimed that Matt Ritchie will not stay at Newcastle United in the summer if Steve Bruce is still manager at the St. James' Park faithful.
This comes after the reported bust-up between the duo on the training ground at the North East club, with Bruce physically confronting Ritchie and barging into him after the former AFC Bournemouth man called him a 'coward'.
Ritchie was an unused substitute in the Tyneside club's last game in the 0-0 draw away at West Brom in the Premier League at Sunday lunchtime, despite Bruce only making two substitutions with the Magpies crying out for some more onus in attack.
Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has claimed that the Scotland international will move on in the upcoming summer transfer window if Bruce is still manager at the Toon:
“I think his time there is limited.
“It looks more than likely he’ll be heading for an exit. If Bruce is still there in the summer it looks very likely that Ritchie won’t be.
“When you have a bust-up with the manager it straight away puts the manager’s authority into question. It is never comfortable and it is very rarely repairable.
“I think in this case it is a relationship that is irreparable. I think we will see him move on if Steve Bruce still be there.”
Newcastle should keep Ritchie
NUFC should be looking to keep hold of Ritchie, even if Bruce is still confirmed to be in charge beyond the 2020/21 term.
The 31-year-old is an experienced head and a big character in the dressing room, which can be useful for Newcastle in terms of trying to get results on the pitch.
He still has the ability as well, with former Cherries manager Jason Tindall describing the winger as a 'fantastic' player amid reported transfer interest from his team back in the January window.
Nonetheless, Ritchie could be a key player for the Magpies come the start of next season.