Steve Bruce responds to NUST concerns over his management at Newcastle United

Bruce's side is without a win in eight games and out of both cup competitions.

And there was a backlash after Newcastle this week became the first team to lose to Premier League basement club Sheffield United.

The club was told by NUST chair Greg Tomlinson that it was “in real danger of sleepwalking to relegation” – and repeating the mistakes of the ill-fated 2015/16 season when Steve McClaren was manager.

Tomlinson wrote to members and said: “I contacted the club to express the significant concerns of the (NUST) Board that the club appears to have not learned lessons from the 2015/16 season, and that the club is in real danger of sleepwalking to relegation.

“The performance at Sheffield United was simply unacceptable, but it was not unexpected for anyone that has watched the full 90 minutes of all our games this season.”

NUST’s concerns were put to Bruce before Monday night’s Premier League game against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

“We can’t accept the other night, whether it’s supporters or whoever it is that’s trying to tell the club,” said United's head coach, who retains the backing of owner Mike Ashley.

“If I was a supporter, I’d be concerned as well after watching the first half. I have to accept (it).

"The one thing I will say is that I’ve been in it a long, long time. In some people’s eyes I was never the right choice. I can understand that.

"But if you look at my record over the years, for being a team that is in the bottom half of the league, then I’ve got enough on my CV to make sure I can try and slowly take the club forward.

"Some would argue against that, I accept that. But that’s what I’m here for, and that’s what I will continually try to achieve and try to get better.”

Newcastle are 15th in the Premier League and seven points above the relegation zone after 17 games.

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