Report: Two reasons why Newcastle haven’t sacked Steve Bruce, including strange takeover claim

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Despite the appalling run of results, Steve Bruce is still Newcastle United manager.

While the Magpies edge closer towards the relegation zone, there seems no intent from the decision makers at the club to change manager.

That might change if Newcastle fail to beat Brighton this weekend and drop into the bottom three. But for now, it seems all but certain that we’re stuck with Bruce.

And according to the Chronicle, it is because of financial reasons.

They state that one of the reasons Mike Ashley doesn’t want to sack Bruce is because he doesn’t want to hand out a sizeable compensation package.

The Chronicle’s report states that Newcastle’s finances have been dented by the implications of COVID, with fans still unable to attend games.

Steve Bruce going nowhere?

However, another reason Ashley is reluctatnt to change managers is because of the lingering takeover.

Ashley’s attempts to sell the club are at the arbitration stage following the other week’s high court ruling.

The Sports Direct man is still desperate to sell the club to Amanda Staveley and co, and is now involved in a legal battle with the Premier League.

But as this rumbles on, Newcastle could be heading towards the Championship, which will severely impact any takeover.

You would think Ashley would want to replace the manager and try something new to keep them in the Premier League, otherwise he definitely won’t get the £305million that was previously agreed with PCP.

However, the Chronicle claim that the takeover saga is actually helping Bruce.

They report that Ashley doesn’t want to bring in a new manager on a long contract as it could cost new owners a lot of money in the future.

That seems like an odd stance from Ashley.

Firstly, the club won’t be his problem at that point so why does he care?

Secondly, if PCP do buy Newcastle with the help of PIF, then money shouldn’t be a problem.

And thirdly, as we’ve already stated, the value of the club will severely go down if Newcastle are relegated.

Whether it’s because of finances or performances, it is hard to believe that Steve Bruce is still Newcastle United manager. But he is, and he desperately needs a result against Brighton on Saturday.