Ash derides Toon gloom

STEVE BRUCE was firmly slapped down by his bosses at Newcastle United after the transfer window closed.

Moaning fans were effectively told to lighten up and stop being so negative.

The playing squad were told they are good enough to push on for a mid-table place.

Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United top brass rarely, if ever, communicate directly with fans – but their latest effort was subtly explosive.

Ashley claims to have committed £160million in fees and contracts since Bruce took over – the most any boss had lavished in such a short time under the Sports Direct tycoon. So when it was reported that Bruce’s relationship with the owner was at a new low when the transfer window closed, with Joe Willock (left) the sole addition at a cost of £25m plus at least £18m in wages over six years, Ashley wanted to make a point. And, with some fans predicting relegation, some chanting against Bruce in games, and 10,000 seats up for sale at St James’ Park for home games, Ashley wanted to take a dig at all the negativity.

Pointed references were made to internal “shared understandings” and “a collective view” that money is tight.

That Bruce knew he had to sell players before buying and that the club is run “sustainably” so as not to need more loans from Ashley hinted the manager knew what he had signed up for when he took the job.

Whether Bruce will be at all bothered by the warning to get on with it, I doubt.

If he takes a dig at the ownership, he will get more popular with fans. It may get him the sack and a pay-off. It’s a win-win, if ever he wants out.

More likely he’ll smooth it over, get on with it and pray results pick up.

Leeds at home next Friday night has the feel of a big game.