Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has made a claim surrounding Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce and his future at St. James’ Park.
This comes after Downie recently made an appearance on the latest episode of The Sky Sports Football Podcast where he spoke about a range of topics concerning the Tyneside club.
On the subject of Bruce and the possibility of him being sacked, Downie had this to say on the matter. (39.58)
He said: “I would not be surprised, even if they do drop into the bottom three, [Mike] Ashley sticks with Bruce anyway because he has been very loyal in the past. He’s a gambler, he will certainly gamble right until the end.
“He is gambling on the future, certainly the short-term future of the club with Steve Bruce, according to the supporters, and it’ll be really interesting to see what the next couple of weeks bring.
“I think once if and when Newcastle drop into the bottom three, I think then he’s got a big decision to make, but I’ve said this all along, as long as they stay out the bottom three, and they’re just out of there at the moment, Steve Bruce will stay at the helm.”
Bruce was appointed as Newcastle’s manager back in July 2019. Since then, the 60-year-old has taken charge of 75 matches with the Toon, winning 24, drawing 17 and losing 34 along the way (per Transfermarkt).
TIF Thoughts on Keith Downie’s comments on Bruce…
As Downie mentioned in the podcast, Newcastle currently find themselves in 17th place in the Premier League table, just three points above Scott Parker’s Fulham.
Given how Newcastle have only managed to win two out of their previous 13 league games, unless they turn their form around, there’s every chance they could end up in the relegation zone at some point between now and the end of the season.
Do you think Ashley will sack Bruce before the end of the season?
Yes
No
In our view, Mike Ashley will need to come to a decision on whether or not he feels that Bruce will be able to keep his club in the Premier League season before it’s too late.