Steve Bruce hits out at 'ridiculous situation' at Newcastle United

Bruce’s side were held to a goalless draw by Oxford United in a fourth-round FA Cup tie this afternoon. The replay will be staged at the Kassam Stadium the week after next – when Bruce had planned to give his players some time off.

Head coach Bruce said: “For me, it’s a ridiculous situation where you’re supposed to have a week off and then all of a sudden they shove replays in there, so what’s the point?

Bruce, however, admitted that his team hadn’t done enough against the League One club.

“It’s just not good enough on the day,” said Bruce. “I could give you many excuses, but a big crowd played their part, and we haven’t done enough for them. We just huffed and puffed all day and didn’t do enough.”