Steve Bruce reveals Lee Charnley dialogue at Newcastle United when asked about Mike Ashley

The club hit a new low under Bruce when it lost to previously-winless Sheffield United on Tuesday night. There were more calls from fans for Bruce to go after the defeat, but the club’s head coach retains the backing of owner Ashley.

Asked if he had spoken to Ashley, Bruce said: “No, but I have the CEO (managing director Lee Charnley) every day,” said Bruce. “We have a conversation two, three times a day. That won’t change.

"No matter whether you’re me in charge of Newcastle, or whoever in the Premier League, we’re always under the pump in terms of results, and at the minute results haven’t been good enough.

"A few weeks ago it was (Mikel) Arteta. Frank (Lampard) is i the middle of it now. It’s part and parcel of the Premier League. If you don’t get enough results, you became ‘under pressure’.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of NUFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor