Simon Jordan would 'seriously consider' sacking Steve Bruce - and questions why he wants to stay at Newcastle United

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan admits he would “seriously consider” sacking Steve Bruce if he were in Mike Ashley’s shoes.
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is choosing to stick by under-fire head coach Steve Bruce. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is choosing to stick by under-fire head coach Steve Bruce. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is choosing to stick by under-fire head coach Steve Bruce. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Calls for Bruce to be sacked intensified following the 3-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion – which leaves the Magpies just two points above the Premier League relegation zone.

However, Ashley wasted no time in supporting his head coach, revealing admiration for his “passion and loyalty”, less than 12 hours after the full-time whistle blew at the Amex Stadium.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ashley’s backing for Bruce has baffled supporters. The former Manchester United defender has tasted victory in just two of his previous 20 matches.

And Jordan, a strong supporter of Bruce in the past, admits even he would contemplate relieving the 60-year-old of his first-team duties.,

He told talkSPORT: "If I was in charge of Newcastle, I'd be saying 'as much as I like you, as much as I knew what you once were before’, we're moving into a territory where this isn't working for either one of us.

"You're getting abused left, right and centre and the team isn't functioning. I'd be in the territory now where I'd be very seriously considering it.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jordan also questioned Bruce’s reasons for wanting to stay at St James’s Park and why he first accepted the role in July 2019.

Bruce has stated he won’t walk away from the Tyneside club, despite hitting the point of no return with the United fanbase.

Jordan, however, still believes Bruce will keep Newcastle, who are next in action against Tottenham Hotspur on April 4, in the top-flight.

Jordan said: "I don't know why he wants to be there. They didn't want him there in the first place. They didn't want him in the job, they wanted Rafa Benitez or anybody that flies in the face of Mike Ashley. They don't want Mike Ashley there - he's the central theme.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Anybody that Mike Ashley appoints that doesn't go against Mike Ashley – Newcastle fans are going to dislike.

"I don't know why he wanted to go there in the first place besides that he couldn't resist the temptation of managing his home club.

"His character won't allow him to walk away from the job. Is he doing a brilliant job? Well, they're fourth bottom. One would suggest he's not doing a brilliant job.

"But there are also sides out there that have spent significantly more money than Newcastle this season that are not punching their weight.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Fulham are third bottom. They might be in a slight form of ascendancy but I still think Newcastle will get out of this and Fulham will get relegated but we're in a territory now where what are you trying to achieve with Steve?

"He is so damaged in the eyes of certain segments of the Newcastle fans, no matter what he achieves going forward.

"Unless you are going to back him unequivocally and give him hundreds and millions pounds worth of players - certain sections of Newcastle fans would say they wouldn't want that in Steve Bruce's hands."

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor