Newcastle United round-up: Steve Bruce tipped to stay until Mike Ashley leaves, Ex-England boss issues rallying call

Plenty of rumours have been floated about following the Magpies’ 3-0 defeat at relegation rivals Brighton and Hove Albion.

Supporters want Bruce sacked, though Mike Ashley has publicly vowed to stick by his head coach.

There were even reports of ‘player unrest’ behind the scenes but Hoddle has called for the noises to be put to one side

Newcastle are two points outside the drop zone and host Hoddle’s former club Tottenham Hotspur in their first game back after the international break.

Hoddle told The Glenn Hoddle Footy Show: "It's down to Steve and this group of players,"

"They need to stick together and be in harmony. Everyone needs to have each other's back.

They need to fight for every aerial challenge. Fight for everyone free ball and to win matches it's got to be that.

"They need to have that spirit amongst them. "They need to try their best.

"Sometimes it's not enough, but they need to try. They need to harmonise that group of players.

"Because easily they can start feeling sorry for themselves. Fear can overtake you."

Barry Fry: Steve Bruce will stay AND keep Newcastle up

Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry believes Bruce will avoid the sack at Newcastle and keep the club in the top-flight.

Ashley, less than 12 hours after the full-time whistle at the Amex Stadium last Saturday, said he wouldn’t be sacking the 60-year-old, citing his loyalty and passion for the job.

Indeed, Fry, a former football manager with the likes of Birmingham City and Posh, is confident Bruce will remain in charge until the end of Ashley’s tenure.

He told Football FanCast: “I do think he’ll survive. I don’t think he’ll go until Mike Ashley sells the club, that is my honest opinion.

"If he did go, it’s very, very difficult for Mike Ashley to get somebody in because his club’s up for sale and could be sold any minute, so very difficult decision.

“I think Steve Bruce will stay there, he’ll keep Newcastle up. Steve will be there, that’s my honest opinion.”

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