Steve Bruce reveals Newcastle United's highs and lows this season

Bruce has revealed the highs and lows of a difficult campaign ahead of tomorrow’s final fixture against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

First, the lows. And, to Bruce – and maybe also the club’s supporters – they’re obvious. United’s head coach picked out Premier League away defeats to Sheffield United and Brighton and Hove Albion, and also the club’s quarter-final Carabao Cup loss to Brentford in December.

“We all know the worst,” said Bruce, who was booed by some fans after the club’s midweek home game. “I can reel them off straight away – Sheffield United away, Brentford away, Brighton away.

"They were, quite easily, the worst parts of the season for obvious reasons.”

Bruce's two highlights came after the club’s shocking 3-0 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium in March.

First, there was a spirited 2-2 home draw against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’s Park, and, more recently, a 4-2 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

"The highlights? I thought we played really well against Tottenham the other week, against a really good side, (and had) 20-odd attempts on goal.

"I think the big highlight has to be our last away game at Leicester. Our performance against them was, for many, as good as I’ve seen for a while, which pleased me.

"We know we’ve got the makings of a half-decent team. When everybody’s fit at the top end of the pitch, and I include Joe Willock in that, with (Miguel) Almiron and the two wing-backs we’ve got, we’ve got plenty going forward at the moment.

"Let’s build on that, let’s hope we can have a fruitful summer to strengthen. Certainly, the Leicester performance was probably the best.”

Newcastle, 15th in the table, secured their Premier League status earlier this month.

"I wouldn’t say it (this season) was a success,” said Bruce. “We’ll accept it, because of the problems we’ve had. I can’t stress enough the Covid situation. I’ve said from day one ‘can we be competing at the other end’. We’ll edge towards that.”

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 coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

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