Brucie back for the flak?

COULD Steve Bruce walk away from Newcastle United this summer with his job done and head held high?

I’d understand if he’s asking himself – after two par-for-thecourse campaigns at the helm – whether he wants the abuse and hassle of another.

Better to go on your own terms, with Premier League safety assured, than be driven out at the first sign of back-to-back defeats by a restless Toon crowd next season.

The veteran boss (below) insisted last week – after wavering a few days earlier – that he will “crack on” with plans for next season until he “is told otherwise”.

But, earlier in the week, he hinted that if crowd unrest aimed at him made it difficult for his players, it would be a serious consideration in his “big conversations” with the club hierarchy.

Bruce has been the target of a social-media campaign for months, with fanzines and supporters insisting he is not worthy of the post.

Sometimes it seems he can’t open his mouth without being mocked – even if he’s saying something reasonable.

How that militancy translates to the reaction of an actual crowd in St James’ Park – starting with 10,000 against Sheffield United – will be interesting to see.

Bruce has proven doubters wrong – including me, especially after the dire Brighton defeat six games ago.

He insisted that with their best XI, including Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin, fit again, they’d win games and be a different team.

So it has proved.

He has also shown he can be innovative, assisted by excellent new coach Graeme Jones. The Leicester win was a majestic performance.

But already, it seems, the club is shopping for free transfers.

Bruce has Newcastle finishing above 18th. Did anyone expect more?

It certainly won’t get much better next season – so why stay around to shoulder a load of flak?