Ashley right to back coach, insists Moyes

MIKE Ashley did the ‘right thing’ by sticking by Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce despite intense pressure over his position.

That is the verdict of West Ham United manager David Moyes, who believes Bruce has ‘done a good job’ on Tyneside and has delivered ‘what he has been asked’ to by the Magpies’ owner.

Moyes brings his Hammers side to St James’ Park this lunchtime looking to avenge their 2-0 defeat at the London Stadium on the opening day of the season.

The two sides could not have had more contrasting fortunes since then, West Ham now in the midst of a bid to qualify for the Champions League while Newcastle are embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation.

The Hammers will move up to third in the Premier League table with a win on Tyneside, while United can put nine points between themselves and the bottom three with a victory.

Bruce came under intense pressure last month in the wake of a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Brighton.

It stretched Newcastle’s dismal run to two wins in 20 matches and he faced calls from fans and the media to be sacked.

Ashley publicly backed his manager, though, and Newcastle have responded with a spirited 2-2 draw with Tottenham and a vital 2-1 win at Burnley last weekend.

Moyes feels Bruce has justified Ashley’s faith by doing so and he feels there will not be too much difference between the two sides today.

He said: “There is not much between the teams and a lot of results have not gone as maybe people thought.

“Newcastle is a tough game and always has been.

“I think Steve has done a good job and done what he has been asked to do.

“He has had good support from his owner in difficult times and looks like he will keep Newcastle in the Premier League, so maybe the owner has done the right thing.

“I think Newcastle have a good squad. It will be a very tough game for us.

“The one thing you have to do to show you have a good team is to show consistency and we have shown that - but we know Newcastle have good players and a good squad.”

The Hammers made the journey north without influential duo Declan Rice and Michail Antonio through injury, while Moyes also revealed left-back Aaron Cresswell is doubtful.