Newcastle United’s crisis shows no signs of ending any time soon.
The club lost their must-win game against Brighton on Saturday night, with the Seagulls cruising to a 3-0 win at the Amex Stadium.
Somehow, the Magpies remain out of the relegation zone.
But the way things are going, it will not be long before a spirited Fulham jump above Bruce’s beleaguered players.
The struggles of Newcastle United often prompt some very short-sighted and frustrating takes.
There was another case of this this weekend, with Sky Sports’ Paul Merson again hopelessly missing the point.
He said on Sky Sports on Saturday (quoted by Chronicle): “There’s just so much pressure, whoever goes there.
“I think there’s only Rafa really, who has had a chance [from the fans].
“They [Newcastle fans] expect to be in the top six.
“Without being horrible, they’re still living in the Alan Shearer, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand, that unbelievable Newcastle team.
“I just think they’ve got to get realistic.”
Newcastle fans expect nothing of the sort
Lots of Newcastle fans dream of the top six, but there are very few who actually expect that.
All they want at this point, is a crop of players who will play their hearts out for the badge.
And to be guided by a manager who wants to take the bull by the horns and push for success – not be content with survival and set up not to get beat.
Maybe the passion and, at times, fury comes across to some as Newcastle fans feeling like they’re entitled to higher finishes.
To hold such a view is to severely misjudge how many Magpies supporters truly feel in this moment.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
