Newcastle United fans send Mike Ashley resounding message on Steve Bruce's future

The Sports Direct owner seems set to stick by flailing Bruce, who has overseen the Magpies’ slide to within two points of the Premier League relegation zone – United have won just twice in 20 games in all competitions.

But fans think Ashley is wrong to take that stance – and believe almost unequivocally that Bruce should be put out of his St James’ Park misery.

On Twitter yesterday, in a snap poll, we asked fans the question: “Do you think Steve Bruce should be sacked as Newcastle United manager?”

In total 2,108 votes were cast with 97.2% saying ‘yes’, Bruce should be sacked by Ashley. Somewhat surprisingly, given the strength of feeling on social media, 2.8% said ‘no’. Of course, as with any poll, these things are open to hijack by fans from other clubs, which may go some way to explaining the higher ‘no’ vote than expected.

When asked about his future following Saturday’s 3-0 hammering by fellow relegation strugglers Brighton and Hove Albion, Bruce made it clear he would not walk away from the job despite mounting pressure and problems.

“Well, I believe that (staying is best for the club),” he said.

"I’ve been around the block a long, log time. You don’t do 980 games … and that experience, I’m trying to draw on it over the last few weeks in particular. I’m not the type to just walk away from a bad defeat. You’re going to have to ask others if you keep asking the same question.”

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