'Disgrace', 'Toxic' - Outspoken talkSPORT pundit launches stunning attack on Newcastle dressing room after defeat vs Arsenal

The Magpies extended their winless run to nine matches in all competitions with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal on Monday night – a result that leaves them seven points clear of the relegation zone having played one game more than 17th-placed Fulham.

But while many supporters have vented their frustrations at manager Bruce, former Crystal Palace chairman Jordan has instead turned his attentions to the 60-year-old’s playing staff.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Look at that group of players, honestly, who would want that dressing room?

“I spoke to Steve last week and the conversation on the whole will remain private, but my overall message to him was to be strong and definite in his views.

“But I watched the game and looked at that group of players and was shocked. That group of players is as poor as I’ve seen in a Premier League team for some time.

“What I saw was a group of players who are simply, utterly not good enough. If I was a Newcastle fan I’d be horrified. They were a disgrace, they were appalling.

“They’re not good enough mentally, not good enough physically, they don’t take any responsibility. They’re not fit for purpose.

“I then moved on to Steve and thought, ‘what are you doing with this group of players?’, because as a manager it’s your responsibility to develop them.

“He is a very decent football manager, but you cannot polish a turd!

“What could you do with this group of players? You can improve them but eventually they will find their level, and their level is where they are now.

“If you open this team up and play the way fans want you to play, you’re going to get smashed to smithereens.

“If I was Steve Bruce I wouldn’t want to manage this football club. I wouldn’t want to manage with some of these fans, I wouldn’t want to work with this owner because Steve hasn’t been given the tools to do the job – and I’m a former owner!

“That football club is toxic and a large proportion of that is down to Mike Ashley and segments of the fans, who have no right to have any expectations.

“People will say I’m just defending my mate, but I had a massive falling out with Steve Bruce – he left me, he betrayed me to go to Birmingham City and I didn’t speak to him for four years!

“These players are not good enough and I think they’ll get him the sack.”

Jordan then focused in on specific players in the Magpies’ ranks.

Referring to Brazilian forward Joelinton, he said: “Bleeding useless. I know he’s playing out of position, but he’s not good enough. Under-aroused, not interested.”

Speaking about Jonjo Shelvey, he said: “Pathetic”, while Jamal Lewis was described as “weak”.

Jordan also hit out at Andy Carroll, who returned to the starting XI on Monday night.

He said: “A waste of time. If he was a horse, you’d shoot it… in fact, you wouldn’t even waste the bullet. An absolute waste of time.”