'It's no fluke I'm still here': Steve Bruce addresses criticism at Newcastle United

Bruce is under pressure at the relegation-threatened club after a nine-game run without a win.

Fans have called for a managerial change in recent weeks, but Bruce still has the backing of owner Mike Ashley ahead of this afternoon’s Premier League game against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Bruce’s appointment as Rafa Benitez’s successor at St James’s Park in the summer of 2019 was met with a lukewarm reception on Tyneside.

And Bruce’s tactics and team selection have been criticised throughout his time at Newcastle, his boyhood club.

Asked if he thought he would ever win over United fans, Bruce said: “I understand, because we’re in a bad run, so you have to accept the criticism, but the one thing I assure you we’re working as hard as we can to make sure we achieve it (Premier League safety).

"I have got a belief in my ability to take us through this. When you manage nearly 500 games in the Premier League, it’s no fluke I’m still here.

"I’ve got the equipment to handle what comes my way, and make sure that we finish in the Premier League where we finished last year.”

Bruce – who started his managerial career more than two decades ago – has managed 448 Premier League games, 126 of which ended in wins for his teams.

"Look, I’ve managed 460 games in the Premier League, which is something like 11 years,” said Bruce. “My experience has helped me, certainly.

"But look, the Premier League’s a difficult league, and whether you’re me, the guy from Wolves (Nuno Espirito Santo) who is on a bad run, or whether you’re Frank Lampard, it is a demanding league. If you’re on a tough run then you have to put up with what you have to put up with.

“The one thing about you is you must keep that respect and a little bit of dignity, and make sure you try and do as best you can and get yourself through it, and try and get a result along the way, that helps.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

We’ve launched a new transfer window special offer for readers to get 20% off our subscription package.

Use the promo code TRANSFER20 to sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor