Steve Bruce reacts to calls from Newcastle United fans for him to be sacked

Josh Dasilva scored the only goal of tonight's quarter-final to book the Championship club a place in the competition’s semi-finals.

Bruce, determined to take no chances, had fielded a strong starting XI in the game.

However, an under-strength Brentford dominated the game – and Dasilva’s strike gave them a deserved win.

There were calls from fans for a managerial change at Newcastle after the defeat, which had followed a 1-1 draw to Fulham and an embarrassing 5-2 loss to Leeds United.

Speaking to the Gazette, United's head coach said: "The supporters are entitled to their opinion. When they’re in the ground, that’s why they pay their hard-earned money. I can’t let that affect myself.

"I understand the disappointment. I’m thoroughly disappointed, like thousands of others. I have to accept what’s coming my way, and accept that its part and parcel of being the manager of Newcastle and accept the criticism which is fully justified, as we shouldn’t be getting in the quarter-final of the cup with an opportunity like we have to get to a semi-final.”

Meanwhile, Brentford manager Thomas Frank hailed his spirited team.

"It means a lot to me, the staff and the players, because it's a massive step – and a massive win,” said Frank. "One of their strikers up front cost more than our front three, so we knew they could put one in the back of the net at the end of the game – but we saw it through and we won."

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