Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley keeps his promise at the London Stadium

Bruce had been quick to applaud Ashley – who had hit out at the Premier League in midweek for their failure to approve a proposed £300million takeover – for “flexing his muscles” in the transfer market ahead of Newcastle United’s season-opening Premier League game.

And two of the club’s new signings – Callum Wilson and Jeff Hendrick – were on target in last night’s 2-0 behind-closed-doors win over West Ham United.

Asked about Ashley’s reaction, Bruce said: “Yeah, good. I hope he enjoys it, and he deserves to enjoy it too.

"He enjoyed watching his team win, which is what we are all in it for.

"It helps that at the right time he flexed his muscles, and we’ve now seen the benefit of them."

Bruce wanted the club to go for Premier League experience in the transfer window this summer, and Ashley – who had told the players he would watch more games this season during a team dinner on Wednesday night – backed his judgement.

"Everybody concerned at the club felt that at this particular time, with the big huge (financial) loss that every football club has occurred, we need people who are stick-ons – people who can play in the Premier League,” said Newcastle’s head coach.

"We all agree that this is the best way forward. It's always a thing when if they are proven quality in the Premier League, then it takes away the risk.”