Newcastle United pull in lowest home crowd since December 2012 – Steve Bruce reacts to the drop in attendance

Newcastle United recorded their lowest home crowd for more than six and a half years against Watford – but Steve Bruce believes his team can convince punters back.

By Liam Kennedy

Published 31st Aug 2019, 18:15 BST- 1 min read

Updated 31st Aug 2019, 19:15 BST

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Fabian Schar of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Watford FC at St. James Park on August 31, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

St James’s Park has not seen a Premier League crowd as low as this afternoon’s 44,157 since December 2012.

Supporter apathy, anger at the ownership of Mike Ashley and the departure of popular former manager Rafa Benitez

But Bruce – who has gone three games without a home win since taking the job – thinks a victory or two will be enough to see the numbers through the gates increase.

“All I can do is try and get on with my job. We can never take for granted the support this great club has got. Hopefully it will be onwards and upwards with the team,” said the head coach.

“I am sure they will come back when we win a few games.”