United chief not at risk of sack just yet

STEVE Bruce’s job as Newcastle head coach is not under immediate threat despite an abysmal set of recent results and performances, The Chronicle understands.

Owner Mike Ashley’s fixation on pushing through a big-money takeover means under-fire Bruce is likely to lead the side into the next two games against Arsenal and Leeds at least.

The Magpies were humiliated by basement club Sheffield United on Tuesday night, with the Blades picking up their first league win in six months against a frightfully passive United side.

Having watched their team fail to win any of their last eight games, some sections of Newcastle’s support want Bruce replaced to avert a third relegation in 12 years.

However, Bruce appears likely to remain in the Toon hotseat due to the fact Ashley is completing his deal to sell the club to Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers.

Bruce has always been willing to work under the constraints laid down by Ashley and that amicable relationship means he has built up a level of goodwill with the unpopular owner.

That could well mean he stays in post a while longer yet. United face Arsenal at the Emirates next Monday and Leeds at home on January 26, with Bruce expected to be in the dugout for both.

Bruce himself insisted he would not resign after the game and told The Chronicle he would keep battling to turn things around.

Another consideration is that Ashley will also not want to pay out a seven-figure compensation fee to dump Bruce, plus he would then have to agree a new contract with his replacement.

The reality is if Newcastle stay out of the relegation zone, Bruce will have met Ashley’s objectives. All the retail magnate is interested in is making sure the club stay up and getting a takeover through.

While a court battle goes on with the Premier League, Ashley knows changing Bruce for a demanding manager that would want funds he is no longer prepared to plough into the club could be a costly process.

Managers like Eddie Howe, Tony Pulis and Garry Monk are available but former Bournemouth boss Howe would want funds to spend and Pulis and Monk, both of whom have been sacked by multiple Championship clubs in the past few years, would be no real upgrade.

Some fans made their feelings clear after the match by pinning a banner which read ‘Bruce out’ on the gates of St James’ Park.