Journalist close to Steve Bruce reveals his stance on resignation after deadline day disaster

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards is reporting that Steve Bruce is 'unlikely' to quit as things stand - despite being left 'angry, frustrated and mystified' by our failure to sanction any deals on deadline day.

Edwards claims that Bruce feels he would be 'betraying the trust of both players and staff' if he walked away, also stating that he believes 'the club need him' to avoid relegation this season - a view that may amuse the majority of Toon fans...

With the transfer window slamming shut at 11pm last night, we head into the first half of the 2021/22 season with a weaker squad and just ONE signing in Joe Willock.

The NUFC boss was booed by fans in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Southampton at St James' Park and has been dealt another damning blow this week, as Mike Ashley failed to back him in the final few days of the window.

Hamza Choudhury looked set to sign on loan at one stage, yet The Telegraph report that the club refused to pay the loan fee and percentage of wages required to land Bruce's long-term target.

Here's a snippet from Luke Edwards' latest piece, revealing Bruce's current stance after a dismal start to the season on several fronts:

There have been calls from supporters for Bruce to resign in protest at his shoddy treatment, although this is unlikely to happen.

Bruce feels he would be betraying the trust of both players and staff if he were to quit now and feels the club need him to keep them out of relegation trouble – as he has done for the last two years.

I can't say I have much sympathy for Steve Bruce.

He knew exactly what he was getting himself into and has happily toed the line so he can be in Ashley's good books, avoid the sack or at least get his pay off if he does ever get the boot.

This is what happens when you mix a 'yes man' with Mike Ashley, sadly.