Steve Bruce was prickly when asked if he was 'comfortable' with the Newcastle statement that appeared to take aim at the head coach, as he admitted: 'It is what it is.'
After a deadline day in which a frustrated Bruce was unable to bring in loan targets such as Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury, the club issued a controversial statement reminding the boss that he has spent £160million on new players in two years. They also made it clear that the manager was aware of budgetary constraints this summer.
It has been interpreted by supporters and observers as a slap-down to Bruce, who was desperate to add to his squad before the window closed, despite the club insisting their business was done.