Steve Bruce and Newcastle discussed how to silence critics, while Sam Allardyce ‘maybe knew his relegation record would drop’ with West Brom

The best way for Newcastle to ‘silence’ critics is to beat relegation rival West Brom on Sunday, talkSPORT said.

Details of a practice ground dispute between Steve Bruce and Magpies midfielder Matt Ritchie were released this week.

The Newcastle boss has confirmed to talkSPORT he is involved in an argument with the midfielder.

He insisted the affair with Ritchie was closed but was angry that news of the incident had come out, saying it was ‘betrayal’ to divulge such stories.

All is clearly not fair behind the scenes at the club as they fight to keep their place in the Premier League.

Bruce’s side will face the Baggies in a crucial relegation clash at noon Sunday – with live commentary on talkSPORT.

Veteran commentator Clive Tyldesley says the most effective way to put what happened behind them is to win at the Hawthorns.

“There has been a lot of white noise around Newcastle United in recent days. Speculation, stories that were printed and then denied, the only way for a manager or coach to respond to this kind of rhetoric and speculation is to win the next game, ”Tyldesley told talkSPORT.com.

“It shuts everyone down. I commented on Newcastle a few weeks ago and they were on a six-game losing streak in the league at the time and they couldn’t buy a point.

“They played really well that day. They won the game right and right and seemed to be turning a corner.

“The last time the teams met was in December, three months ago they beat West Brom at St James’ Park with a late goal from Dwight Gayle. At that time, Newcastle were seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind the leaders.

“They need a result now, like the one against Everton and the one against West Brom that day.”

The Magpies are just three points above the drop zone as a resurgent Fulham chases them as the final weeks of the season approach.

West Brom is just nine points behind and that deficit will drop to six if they win on Sunday.

“Newcastle’s biggest problem, and they’re not the only ones, is the lack of players. It has been a recurring problem for them, ”added Tyldesley.

“No Premier League club has been hit harder by COVID issues earlier in the season. Three or four of their players suffered very badly from the virus.

“At the moment, almost their full potential for scoring is not available to Steve Bruce. Callum Wilson is now joined by Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron on the injured list.

“None of the three are likely to return in the coming weeks. If you take away the three main goals of any Premier League side, it’s a huge headache for the manager.

“There will be a huge spotlight on the game, not at least an hour before the game when Steve Bruce reveals his hand because I have no idea who is going to play up front for Newcastle.

The Baggies are much improved under Sam Allardyce but Tyldesley thinks he could accept his fate as the work to keep them going becomes overwhelming.

He said: “Sam Allardyce has never been relegated to the Premier League as a coach. This is his eighth club and he is very proud of this record.

“I think he must know deep down that there is a good chance that it will fall this season. Maybe he knew it when he took the job.

“It was a big request for where they were from. What is encouraging for him, maybe even finished and the results are the best performances.

“The four players he was able to bring in January all had an impact in one way or another. It looks a lot more like a Sam Allardyce team.

On the fact that fans are not allowed to watch such a thing, Tyldesley added: “The Hawthorns is a ground that really rocks for a big game, just like St James’ when the sentiment is positive.

“I think there’s an argument that fans obviously put pressure on teams when they’re anxious, and why so many people don’t live their lives through their football team.

‘St James’ might not be a comfortable place for Newcastle at the moment.

“For some players and some teams, the fans missed more than others. Some, in private, would admit that it is easier to focus on your business when the stadium is empty when you are not under this scrutiny.

“For this game in particular, it’s West Bromwich Albion who will be sorely missed by their fans.”

West Brom vs Newcastle United will air live on Amazon Prime Video on Sunday March 7th with coverage starting at 11:30 am. On-screen talents for the match include Simon Thomas, Lee Dixon, Karen Carney and commentators Clive Tyldesley and Ally McCoist