Bruce: I’ve not been good enough

BRUCE VOWS TO FIGHT ON AFTER A SHOCK ADMISSION

STEVE Bruce admitted he has not delivered the results demanded of him in the build-up to Newcastle United’s crunch trip to Brighton.

The Toon head coach was asked directly if he would walk away from the job if Newcastle lost and sink into the bottom three of the Premier League table this weekend.

He vowed to fight on, regardless of the scenario, and says any decision on his job will be made by club owner Mike Ashley and managing-director Lee Charnley.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference yesterday, Bruce said: “The decision will always be taken out of my hands.

“I only want what is best for the club and over the last few months I have not been good enough to get the results the club demands. I understand that.”

Bruce is still confident he can keep the Magpies in the top flight but the writing will effectively be on the wall if Newcastle lose at the Amex Stadium tonight.

The club will be taking a huge gamble if they continue with the former Hull City and Birmingham boss and United drop into the relegation zone with just nine games left. It is thought Bruce’s pay-off from his current deal amounts to around £1.7m.

United would also need to dip into fresh funds to bring in a new boss.

Bruce added: “I will do my utmost to make sure the club stays in the Premier League.

“All the other stuff, I cannot influence that.

“I will never walk away from the challenge, that is for sure.”

Bruce believes Newcastle’s comeback against Aston Villa demonstrates the players are still fighting for him. He went on: “The players deserved it for their attitude to keep going.

“They could have been on the floor with the hideous own goal we conceded, which was sheer bad luck – and we did not deserve that.

“We had seven players in the box to try and salvage something.

“When you reach the level of big games you have to handle pressure.

“That is what playing in the Premier League week-in, week-out is. It is a big game for both teams.

“In big games you have to go and perform on the day.

“Of late, I think we have improved.

“Certainly, we needed to, that is for sure.

“We are capable of going to Brighton and getting a result.

“That is what we have to focus on and see if we can pull it off.”

Steve Bruce admits he has not produced the goods but has vowed to carry on as United boss, with any decision on his future out of his hands

Jamaal Lascelles celebrates his equaliser against Aston Villa

Steve Bruce and Matt Ritchie in training this week