Bruce: Whatever we do, we have to stay in the Premier League, but I’d like to be higher, of course
STEVE Bruce’s remit at Newcastle United has never changed this season - despite talk of a tilt at the top 10 at one stage.
Yet he insists he is still dreaming of finishing higher than fourth-bottom in the Premier League table come the end of what has been a tough campaign.
Much has been made of Bruce’s future and whether he can survive Newcastle’s alarming run of results with just two wins to his name in 2021 so far.
As reported in The Chronicle in recent weeks, Bruce’s position may only come under serious threat if the Magpies slip into the relegation places and their top-flight position is looking doubtful.
Only then would Mike Ashley (pictured) - who issued the remit of simply survival in the first place have a decision to make.
The other big factor is cost, as parting company with Bruce would result in Ashley writing a cheque with seven figures in it.
Some may argue the price of relegation would be much more costly for the Sports Direct magnate but the reality is Bruce will still have every chance to lead Newcastle to survival this season because Ashley has time for the ex-Manchester United captain. Regardless of what is posted on social media, Bruce has got on with the job without any internal battles on finances or politics and instead has focused on preserving his own longevity.
At his pre-match press conference yesterday, Bruce described this term as a “very difficult season” no doubt in reference to the fan lockout, Covid, finances and injury worries.
He speaks to managing-director Lee Charnley every day and having pitched those reasons to him will have had some understanding back from the powers-that-be. People have asked me when there will be a change at the top but again it is now whether Bruce
delivers what was asked for from those above him.
If Newcastle avoid dropping into the bottom three this weekend it will be 17 months since the last time they slipped below the dreaded relegation line in the top-flight.
That is hardly a reason to order an open-top bus tour but as far as Bruce is concerned he has satisfied the demands of his owner and that is why - despite calls for change - he remains in the hot seat on Tyneside.
When asked whether he would personally be happy with fourth bottom and fulfilling that remit in the least spectacular way, Bruce said: “Whatever we do we have to stay in the Premier League but I would like to be higher, of course.
“There are seven or so teams in it - I must stress we are not alone even if it seems to some Newcastle are the only ones in it.”
So what of the talk of finishing in the top 10 back in July from Bruce?
As it stands, the Magpies are 10 points adrift of Leeds who occupy the final place in the upper half of the table.
True, 10 points can be whittled down quickly, as Newcastle know given Fulham have chopped down 10 to three in the last fortnight, but realistically the Magpies would be breathing a huge sigh of relief if they have staved off the threat of the drop with a few games to spare.
Bruce added: “There is still a long way to go.
“Thirteen games is a long time and it is all to play for.
“We still have a lead, yes that has been cut but I have always said it is about the accumulation of points over a very difficult season. That will not change for me.”
It is a mantra Bruce has wheeled out for weeks now.
Before the Wolves clash he said: “When you look at fixture lists you think: ‘Dear me, that is a tough run.’ “We knew after back-to-back victories for ourselves (the Magpies lost to Crystal Palace between the Everton and Southampton wins) you go to Chelsea and Manchester United and you think we could have done without those two. “You have to play everybody twice. “There are times when you look at the fixture list and think you have a good opportunity. “Yet, make no mistake, you always have to produce results and that is difficult in the Premier League.” For now, Bruce has the opportunity to stay in control with Wolves at home, West Brom away next weekend and then Aston Villa at home.
Despite two defeats against Chelsea and the Red Devils, not a lot has changed for Newcastle and Bruce.
I have always said it is about the accumulation of points over a very dificult season. That won’t change Steve Bruce