Steve Bruce clarifies position on his Newcastle United future

A report this week suggested that it was “not certain” that Bruce would stay on as head coach at the club.

However, Bruce – who has a year left on his contract at St James’s Park – has insisted that he has no intention of walking away from the job after the club secured it’s top-flight status for another season.

Asked if he would stay on at the club, Bruce said: “'I’ve got a contract. Until I hear otherwise, I’m going to crack on.

"We’re doing pre-season at the moment. We’re putting all the plans in place. Conversations will be had, and that’s what I can say on it.

"We’re going to concentrate on the season. Look, we’ve already had conversations on pre-season and transfer targets. I think every club would be naive if they not looking who’s available on a Bosman, for example. That always helps every club for obvious reasons.

"Quietly, behind the scenes, we’re working away towards (next season), and that’s normal. The big conversations are yet to be had, and that’ll happen in the next week or two.”

Asked if he wanted to come back for another year given his experiences this season, Bruce added: "Look, I’m a football manager – it’s what I do.

“I’m not ready to retire yet. So, you have to dust yourself down, have a thick skin at times, and, as I said, I’m nowhere near ready to retire just yet. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll crack on to the best of my ability.”

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