Jonjo Shelvey launches impassioned defence of Steve Bruce at Newcastle United

Bruce is under intense pressure following a dismal few months on the field that have left the club just three points above the Premier League’s relegation zone.

Shelvey, handed a new contract by Bruce last season, has spoken about United's head coach on the Studs Up podcast.

Here is some of what Shelvey had to say ahead of tomorrow night’s home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

United’s predicament

“I know how much potential this club has got,” said Shelvey. “They are the best players I’ve played under. They’re brilliant. Even if you have a bad game, as long as you run around and out that effort in, that’s all they ask.

“They just want to see their club do well and progress. That’s why it’s so disappointing at the minute.”

What Newcastle’s players need to do now

“We’ve got four games now against teams that really we should be getting something from, no disrespect,” said the 28-year-old.

“All if comes down to is us sticking together. I’ve been in this situation at Swansea. All you’ve got to do is stick together and work hard on the training pitch and listen to what the gaffer and the coaching staff say, and we’ll be all right. I firmly believe that.”

Dressing room support for Bruce

“Our gaffer obviously gets a lot of stick, but he played over 700 games,” said Shelvey.

"He’s won all sorts. He was captain of Man United. The man knows what he’s doing. He’s been there and done it. As a football player, if he’s my manager - and he’s done all of that and the way he is with me, I’m going to bust my balls off working for him while he’s still in charge.”

Bruce's man management

“He’s the best man manager I’ve worked under. He knows how to speak to certain individuals. For me, as a footballer that’s what I want to work with.

"Steve Bruce is a Geordie. He’s stood on those terraces. He knows what’s expected. One thing he says is ‘if you’re not having a good game, you work your socks off’. He’s big on the stats side and how much we run.

"If you don’t run for him, you’re not playing the next week.”

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