'The grass isn't always greener' - Peter Crouch fires warning to Newcastle fans amid ongoing Bruce frustration

Steve Bruce. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The Magpies slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Saturday evening, and mustered just 24% possession in a passive display that drew widespread ire from many factions of their fanbase.

The result leaves Bruce’s side seven points clear of the relegation zone and winless in their last four matches across all competitions, but Crouch has argued that the boss cannot reasonably be expected to do much more than he already is given the resources at his disposal.

Writing in a column for the Daily Mail, he said: “I just don’t know what more he can do.

"We are big fans of Steve Bruce in this column, I have to make that clear. I know there will be objections to that in Newcastle, but I only speak as I find. I respect what Steve has done throughout his career and he is a top man.

“But would he get recognition from Newcastle fans even if he led the side into the top 10? I’m not sure. It feels like he will get loads of stick, no matter what.

"The League Cup defeat last week at Brentford was not good enough, for sure, but look at the bigger picture around the club.

“Mike Ashley wants to sell and would go today if he could. That uncertainty does not make for a productive environment. The tension and negativity that is building around the club will be having an impact in the dressing room, as everyone will feel the pressure.

“I understand that many fans want change but I would warn that the grass isn’t always greener.

"Someone could come in and talk about playing with a philosophy, an expansive style, but what happens if that leads Newcastle to the Championship?”

Speaking after Saturday’s defeat against City, Bruce suggested that some of the recent criticism he and his side have come in for has been excessive.

He said: “We had a bad week, but some of the mass hysteria, in my opinion, was unfair. A lot of it was not right, in my opinion. I’m probably going to say that, but that’s my opinion on it.”