Newcastle United fans have THIS strong message for Mike Ashley on Steve Bruce's future

As part of the Shields Gazette’s BIG Newcastle United survey we asked fans to answer the following question: “Is Steve Bruce the right man to take Newcastle United forward?”

The options were, as follows, strongly agree, not sure and strongly disagree.

And the response from those polled was overwhelming, with 97.5% of fans saying they strongly disagree that head coach Bruce is the man to take Newcastle United forward.

This is a big ‘vote of no confidence’ from the United faithful in their current manager, who remains safe in his post at the club despite their precarious Premier League position.

The Magpies are currently three points above the top flight relegation zone, but due to their inferior goal difference could find themselves 18th by the time they next play, with Fulham, who sit third bottom at present, playing three days prior to United’s next Premier League game. The Cottagers host Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday evening (kick-off 6pm) Three points against Jose Mourinho's men would see Scott Parker & Co leapfrog United into 17th place, then having played a game more.

Bruce has been in charge of United since the summer of 2019, following the exit of Rafa Benitez at the end of his Magpies’ contract.

United finished 13th in the Premier League last season, but find themselves in the midst of a relegation battle this time around, having won just two games in their last 17.

Only Southampton have worse form in the Premier League since Boxing Day. Both sides have picked up just eight points in that time.

Fans were also asked the following question: “Has the appointment of Graeme Jones been instrumental in Newcastle United's recent improvement?”

The options given as answers were, as follows, “yes, significantly”, “It has had some impact”, “Minimal impact” and “No, none at all.”

Again the results were fairly conclusive with 89.1% of fans believing the appointment of former Belgium, Everton, Swansea City and Wigan Athletic assistant Jones has had a decent impact on the product they are seeing out on the park.

Jones has been praised for his impact with improvements noted in United’s pressing game, organisation, their formation switch, a clearer identity, set piece variation and chances created column. Negatives have been noted also, though, with defensive frailties showing little signs of improvement.

In total, 8.4% of fans polled believe Jones has had a minimal impact, 48.5% think he’s had some impact, while 40.6% think he has been responsible for a significant impact.

When asked if Bruce deserves credit for recent improvements to the team, fans were given three options. They were, as follows, “Yes, he's the manager and deserves credit”, “Some, the credit lies with Jones and Bruce”, “No, the change after 18 months was not coincidental”.

Overall, 89.3% of fans who took the Gazette poll believed Bruce did not deserve to take any credit for recent improvements, even if they were only marginal. Just over 9% of people did, however, think Bruce, with Jones, should get the credit, as he is the man in charge.

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