Manager still striving for ‘respectable’ spot in table

NEWCASTLE United boss Steve Bruce says he will keep fighting to ensure the Magpies achieve the most respectable Premier League position on offer this season.

A bad run of form sees Newcastle in 13th place, but they could still overtake Everton and Southampton if they recover and other results go their way.

United also need one more win to beat last season’s points tally of 45 points, which earned a 13thplace finish.

Looking ahead to the clash with Brighton, Bruce said: “There are two or three teams above us we still could catch.

“Overall, I think we’ve done OK. “My aim now is to keep trying to move the club forward and we’ll see where that takes us.”

United were in China 12 months ago preparing for the current season, with Bruce just getting his feet under the table.

Incredibly, the same campaign still has two matches to run.

Although Bruce, whose side were last in the relegation zone in October, has always been calm about the club’s top-flight safety.

He said: “To think we’re still playing now, it’s not been easy.

“Inwardly, I thought we were safe when we won at Southampton three or four months ago.

“When I look at the bottom of the table, I’m delighted we’re not involved in it.”

Newcastle will face a Brighton side that have also avoided relegation despite just eight wins from 36.

Bruce said: “Graham Potter has come in from Chris Hughton, who did a wonderful job over the years, and obviously has a different approach and style.

“They’ve totally changed whole philosophy.

“Looking from afar, for Brighton to stay in the division is always going to be their first and foremost.

“They’ve done OK.”

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