Bruce: We must not use the takeover saga as an excuse

RAMPANT takeover speculation must not be allowed to derail the remainder of Newcastle United’s season, says Steve Bruce.

A £300m offer from Amanda Staveley’s consortium has been accepted but the Premier League is still yet to sanction the buyout.

However, with English football finally back, the Magpies can look to secure their top-flight status and perhaps even push for a surprise top-10 finish.

Bruce said he has not discussed the possible regime change at St James’ Park with Lee Charnley and will keep his focus on matters on the pitch until he hears otherwise..

The United head coach said of the takeover: “I’ve had no conversations with anybody. That’s fine by me.

“Whatever’s best for the club, for me, is the most important thing. Let’s try and move the club forward, let’s stabilise the place. So far, we’ve done OK.”

He added: “There’s something rumbling along. We’re all aware of that. Let’s not make it a distraction or excuse.”

During football’s enforced threemonth absence, Bruce has seen other managers – including ex-Juventus supremo Massimiliano Allegri and former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino – linked with his job.

“Any distraction at boardroom level creates a little bit of uncertainty. People are becoming a little bit used to it,” he said.

“I can’t influence what’s happening above. The only thing I can focus on is making that the preparation of the players is in place.”