Steve Bruce retains support of Mike Ashley despite Newcastle form

It's not the news many Newcastle United supporters wanted to hear but it seems under-fire boss Steve Bruce still has the support of the club's owner Mike Ashley, despite their precarious league position.

The Magpies find themselves languishing down in 17th place, hovering dangerously above the relegation zone. Just two points separate Bruce's side and Fulham in 18th.

Newcastle were already in a worrying position heading into the weekend's fixture, but with Fulham suffering a defeat at the hands of Leeds the night before, a win at Brighton would have represented an opportunity to put daylight between themselves and the drop zone.

Instead, the Magpies were beaten 3-0 by Graham Potter's men at the Amex Stadium and calls for Bruce to be sacked amongst the supporters have only intensified.

Newcastle have won just twice in their last 18 Premier League games and post-match Ryan Fraser described the mood within the camp as 'the lowest it's been'

Interestingly, the Chronicle reports that some Newcastle players even thought that Bruce had been sacked in the immediate aftermath of the Brighton defeat, leading to a 15-minute period of speculation.

However, the BBC add that Bruce retains the backing of owner Ashley ahead of the international break and will likely now stay in the job for the nine remaining fixtures this season.

With a difficult run-in to come which includes fixtures against Tottenham, West Ham, Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester, Man City and Fulham - the possibility of a third relegation in 12 years is an all-too real one for Newcastle.

Bruce has struggled for the approval of many Newcastle fans throughout his time in the North East, while many felt his appointment was underwhelming and, based on the evidence so far, it seems they may have had a point.

Ashley, the club's owner, has had a difficult relationship with the supporters since he took over back in 2007 and his failure to recognise the severity of the team's situation under Bruce will be added to the long list of gripes the Magpies faithful have with him.


Source : 90min