Boss believes fans in St James’ would have helped

NEWCASTLE United boss Steve Bruce has urged fans to “stay with it” after his side slumped to a fifth defeat in seven matches at St James’ Park.

United’s solid start to the campaign is now starting to fizzle out after bruising defeats at the hands of Southampton and Chelsea, with Bruce once again coming under fire from fans for negative tactics.

There’s no doubt the Magpies would have been booed off at St James’ had there been a full house yesteray afternoon. Players left the field with heads bowed after retreating to moneybags Chelsea, fortunate that lockdown spared them a barrage of vitriol from the terraces.

However, rather than thinking his side would have been bombarded with boos, Bruce said he actually believes a full house could have jolted Newcastle into life.

The Magpies head coach told The Sunday Sun: “The one thing that we miss, like most big clubs, is the big atmosphere at the stadium. “There is no disputing that.

“In the second half, they would have seen a team that was a lot better.

“As I said we had a difficult first half-hour in particular.

“They scored and when you concede against the big teams you leave yourself a bit exposed which we did in the second half.

“And it becomes a very difficult one.”

Bruce then tried to rally disgruntled supporters who had instead made their feelings clear on social media, not least beneath the club’s official Twitter handle.

But he insisted that it is important everyone stays together despite the recent poor displays and results.

Bruce said: “Look, we have to stay with it. Fixtures have been tough lately, so we have a big few weeks coming up so let’s hope we can pick up a few results.”

Bruce’s side face Crystal Palace on Friday night and a defeat will open up the Toon chief to further questions from fans after 15 months in charge.

Bruce said: “They are frustrated because we can’t get a result at the minute.

“Unfortunately, we have played three of the top six in the last few weeks, it’s been difficult, very, very difficult.

“But there are lots to like about the second half but unfortunately we have to give ourselves a chance.

“That’s the fifth time now we have been one down with five minutes played.

“So we have to address that.”