Steve Bruce addresses summer transfer backing from Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley

Owner Ashley was at Craven Cottage yesterday to see Newcastle United finish 12th in the Premier League following a season-ending 2-0 win over Fulham.

The club had pulled away from relegation trouble in the final two months of a difficult and challenging campaign for Bruce.

United's head coach – who hopes to re-sign loanee Joe Willock from Arsenal this summer – was asked after the match if he believed he would get the backing he needed to take the club forward.

“Yeah, of course,” said Bruce. “At every club, we all want to succeed. Newcastle finishing 12th, that cannot be judged as an achievement. We’re pleased, don’t get me wrong from where we were. We’ve got to do better than that, that’s my job, to knock on the door, and make us better.”

Newcastle lost just two of their final nine games, and Willock scored in seven of those fixtures. The club ended the campaign 17 points above the relegation zone.

Asked if he didn’t want the season to end, Bruce said: “Oh, I do! We’re ready for a break, but just at the right time, when we needed it, the team showed a certain resolve.

"My backroom staff, I can’t thank them enough. There’s been some dark times. We’ve all had to dig in, really deep.

"There have been times when things have been bleak. I won’t forget them, but the way we finished, they’ve been fantastic. Let’s hope they continue next season.”

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