BRUCE BOOSTED BY BACKING
STEVE BRUCE has revealed how Newcastle stepped back from the brink of crisis.
The Toon chief says firm backing from owner Mike Ashley, personal experience, resilience from his longest-serving players and late goals have rescued the club this season.
At most clubs, Bruce would have been facing the sack after defeat to Brighton six weeks ago, with relegation looming.
But on Ashley’s backing, Bruce said: “It is always important.
“It gives you the ability to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into it.
“It was arguably the low point of the season, although we’ve had two or three low points. The experiences I have had in the past, you lean on, to get you out of the problem.
“You need your staff and a response from the players themselves.
“That they have done, they have found resilience.
“Just at the right time, coinciding with big players getting fit.
“We are OK with our big players – without them, it can be a struggle. We can’t take anything for granted, but we are now in a better position from a month ago.
“Everyone coming in – Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Sean Longstaff – have all grasped the situation.
“Fifty per cent of our goals are scored in the last 10 minutes.
“It is remarkable that we have the ability to hang in there.
“Lots of players have been here years and you can’t question their commitment to the cause.”
Newcastle went to a back five – or a back three with the ball – and Bruce added: “What changed? We changed formation.
“We have conceded too many goals.
“But it is balance – defence and a threat.
“We are still striving for that.”