When Steve Bruce was appointed as Newcastle boss, most fans shook their heads with disbelief.
But here we are, nine games in and Bruce has won eight points as Newcastle manager. His team has scored five goals and conceded 14, keeping three clean sheets. They’re 18th in the league, braced for yet another fight for survival.
Bruce has done little to win over the doubters, but the fixture list hasn’t been kind to him. The Magpies have taken on five of the famed ‘top six’, as well as Leicester who are looking to break into the division’s elite.
Finally Newcastle have a nicer run of fixtures. While our next four games are far from easy, they are games that Bruce will be more optimistic about.
We face Wolves and Bournemouth at home as well as trips to West Ham and Aston Villa. After that, it’s back to the big boys with Manchester City heading to St James’ Park.
Over the next four games, Newcastle need to showcase an actual style of football, as it’s still not clear what Bruce is trying to achieve. We need to create more chances for our forwards. But most importantly, we need to win points and climb the league.
If we can’t do any of those things, then the board need to consider Bruce’s future. Right now, relegation looks a very real possibility.
If there are no signs of progress in the next four games, Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley need to look for a new manager who can guide the club to safety. Please don’t leave it too late like you did in 2016.
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