Tony Cascarino has launched a scathing attack on Newcastle United in his weekly column for The Times.
The timing of his words come at a strange time after the Magpies claimed an important three points against West Ham on Saturday.
An Issa Diop own goal and strikes from Joelinton and Joe Willock ensured they edged closer to Premier League safety.
Newcastle are now eight points clear of Fulham who occupy 18th place in the league after their 1-1 draw with Arsenal yesterday.
Cascarino though has claimed he expects Newcastle to continue struggling beyond next season.
He told The Times: “Newcastle look safe after an impressive victory over West Ham, but in truth, they’ve never been in much of a relegation fight.
“Fulham have been in great positions to reel Newcastle in only to let leads slip at key moments.
“We will never know how Steve Bruce and his team would have coped had they slipped into the bottom three, which could have easily happened in recent weeks.
“The sad thing for Newcastle fans is that unless things change this summer, they will be in for more of the same next season.”
Cascarino might have a point but still his comments come at a strange time.
Only time will tell whether Bruce can win over the Newcastle faithful and things could become different with fans roaring the team on.
Bruce likely to remain
Despite what supporters crave, it seems unlikely that Newcastle followers will get their wish of Bruce being sacked.
With the club now likely to stay in the Premier League, it’s almost certain that Mike Ashley won’t pull the trigger and end his tenure.
Improvements will be needed next season though.
With fans likely to be back in the stadiums, the atmosphere could soon turn toxic if the team don’t improve their performance levels.
Bruce must adapt if he is to become successful at his boyhood club and some new signings would also help matters.
On the back of poor form it was only natural that pundits would suggest Bruce is on borrowed time.
To do it after two really good wins seems extremely bizarre from Cascarino, however.
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