Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie had cleared out his locker at the club’s training ground in anticipation of leaving in January.
According to The Athletic, the Scotland international was convinced he would secure an exit, with Steve Bruce even giving him the green light initially.
But ultimately, his proposed return to Bournemouth was scrapped because the club could not sign a replacement, and the Cherries did not submit a suitable offer.
It’s explained the Championship side had wanted Ritchie back on loan, but Newcastle wanted to either sell permanently, or loan him with an obligation to buy.
Ritchie would stay at Newcastle and weeks later have a bust-up with Bruce at the club’s training ground, after the manager had effectively blamed him for Wolves’ equaliser.
Ritchie did make the bench for the weekend game with West Bromwich Albion but didn’t get on against the Baggies.
One wonders if Bruce named him in the matchday squad simply to play down the situation.
Some have speculated he won’t actually be getting any more minutes for the Magpies from here on in.
Bust-up was inevitable
The more things that come out about this bust-up between Ritchie and Bruce, the less surprising it is that it happened.
Ritchie clearly wanted to depart the club in January.
Having been used sparingly this season, that comes as no surprise.
To then be denied a move to Bournemouth and weeks later be blamed publicly for a goal conceded must have got his back up massively.
Ritchie is a passionate individual and it seems an emotional response was inevitable.
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