DEFIANT BRUCE WON’T BE DRIVEN OUT OF TOON

STEVE BRUCE insists he is already planning for life as Newcastle boss next season after steering the Magpies to safety.

Bruce has been under fire from Newcastle fans all season, and there were calls for his head after defeat to Brighton in March.

Since then they have won three out of six games with only one defeat, securing another season of top-flight football.

There is no indication that Mike Ashley is unhappy with Bruce at the helm, as the Newcastle owner fights to push through a takeover by a Saudi Arabian consortium.

Asked if he was the man to lead the club again next season, Bruce (left, celebrating Joe Willock’s goal at Anfield last month) replied: “I hope so. I have a contract and until I hear otherwise I will crack on.

“We have had conversations on transfer targets but the big conversations will be had in the next week or two.”

Bruce was adamant that thoughts of retirement had not entered his head despite the barrage of criticism he has faced.

“I am a football manager, it is what I do,” he said. “You dust yourself down and have a thick skin. I’m nowhere near retirement.

“I have had to scrap all my life. I am lucky to be involved after 40 years. I work hard, dig deep and get my rewards that way.”

Bruce faced a backlash this week for suggesting expectations were inflated among fans, but insisted he was misunderstood.

He added: “What makes this club great is the supporters. They come in their thousands, are passionate and want their club to do well. So do I.

“We all want to get to the top, to try and win a cup. We have to edge towards that. We all aspire to take Newcastle to the top ten.”

Bruce is eagerly anticipating pitting his wits against Pep Guardiola tonight, a manager he rates as the “best in the world”.

“The noisy neighbours have got a right to be noisy now. This fella, Pep, is quite unbelievable.”