Chris Sutton believes fans’ hatred and total lack of trust in Steve Bruce will see his time at St James’ Park come to an end before the 2021/22 season kicks off.
It remains to be seen what division we’ll be playing in next season, however Sutton feels Bruce’s days are numbered – whether he goes on a run of wins and keeps us up or sends us down.
Interestingly, the BBC Radio 5Live pundit also reckons we’ll actually avoid the drop, yet he still sees it ending in tears for the 60-year-old.
Here’s what he’s had to say:
“I think we have always understood the frustration.
“The one thing I don’t like is the personal aspect towards Steve Bruce. He is a decent bloke but I think the fans have turned against him.
“In many respects, I am surprised Steve Bruce hasn’t walked away before now just because of the whole situation.
“Even if he went on a run and won games, I don’t think the trust would be there from Newcastle fans and I think it is sad how it has panned out for him.
“Do I think Newcastle will stay up? Yes, I do. Just. But will that be enough for Steve Bruce to take the club forward next season?
“I cannot see him being in charge for the first game of next season, regardless if they stay up.”
Bruce has burned bridges with the majority of the Newcastle United fanbase – his infuriating comments have been as bad as the brutal brand of football and abysmal results – but I do wonder if Sutton has forgotten about Mike Ashley’s remit and criminally low expectations.
Perhaps he’s hinting at Bruce walking away over the summer if it all gets too much, but if he’s not I struggle to see Ashley pulling the trigger if he keeps us up.
After all, if he’s not going to sack him after Saturday’s horror show made it TWO wins in 20, he’s not going to do it if we avoid slipping down to the second tier.
Whatever happens, life without Bruce and Ashley at Newcastle United can’t come quick enough, with the thought of both remaining after relegation absolutely unbearable.
Stating the obvious here. If we do stay up then Rafa it is.
Dutch Docherty(Quote)
We need to go down and stay down to remove the current regime
When the club’s haemorrhaging money it will be sold at any price
Blythfilz(Quote)