BRUCE WANTS SOME CLARITY ON FUTURE

STEVE BRUCE has called for clarity on his future after admitting Newcastle United are in a relegation battle following their 3-2 defeat by Tottenham. On a day that was supposed to be a celebration of the club’s new Saudi-led ownership, it ended with supporters turning on the boss and again calling for him to go. It had been expected that Amanda Staveley and her consortium would sack Bruce before this game, and it is understood he will be replaced in the near future. And Bruce said: ‘Every football club needs clarity, from the top right the way through. The new owners have been very respectful. ‘My future is for other people to decide. I will carry on as best I can until I hear otherwise. I will see what they have to say.’ Newcastle are second bottom and three points from safety after eight matches without victory. And Bruce conceded: ‘Of course, if you’re in the bottom half you are in a relegation battle. But have we not been in that for five of the last six years? We’ve been up against it since I picked up the reins. I’m still convinced it is a battle we will win.’ After a match in which his side had led through Callum Wilson after 108 seconds, Bruce added: ‘It’s pretty obvious we haven’t defended well enough after a great start. We’ve done that too often for my liking. ‘Spurs scored with their first attack and scored with their second. In trying to be on the front foot we are not defending well enough.’ Meanwhile, the game was stopped at the end of the first half and the players returned to the dressing rooms after a supporter suffered a suspected cardiac arrest in the East Stand. Players from both sides had rushed towards the dugout urging medical staff to attend when it became apparent there was an issue. Last night the man was said to be stable and responsive in hospital. Bruce said: ‘I have to say well done to supporters. They made it obvious something was happening and alerted the players. ‘We had a defibrillator over that side of the ground which has saved a man’s life, from what we’re hearing. It’s terrific that we have those people who were able to save his life.’