Richard Keys has told Steve Bruce to leave Newcastle United in his latest blog.
Bruce has come under fierce criticism from Newcastle supporters, following a disastrous run of form which has left the side dangling just above the relegation zone.
Newcastle have taken four points from their last two games to ease concerns of the drop, though.
The Magpies came from behind at Turf Moor at the weekend, as they secured a victory over Burnley.
And Keys now thinks that Bruce should walk away from Newcastle with his head held high.
“A final word for Steve Bruce. What a terrific win at Burnley. Newcastle aren’t safe yet, but I’m sure they’ll be ok,” Keys said.
“Mike Ashley isn’t anybody’s favourite on Tyneside but he struck a blow for those in charge of clubs when he publicly backed his man recently. Those Newcastle players downed tools v Brighton. Ashley was having none of it. ‘Bruce stays’ he told them.
“The message was simple – ‘if you want to play Championship football next season – fine, but it’ll be with Bruce’. A draw v Spurs and Sunday’s win followed. Further message to Bruce – get them safe Steve and then get out of there. It really is as Graeme Souness described it – ‘the impossible job’.”
There is a perception by some that Newcastle supporters have been harsh on Bruce, but their concerns have been more than understandable.
Newcastle have underperformed for months now and their style is hardly easy on the eye.
There have been reports of ructions in camp and it is clear that they have barely made any forward strides with Bruce at the helm so far.
Most Newcastle fans would likely be delighted if Bruce does walk in the summer, but that seems a slim possibility, given that he has adamantly stated that he will remain in charge until he is sacked previously.
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