Steve Bruce's six-word response to fan protest at Newcastle United

Newcastle United were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa last night. The defeat means the relegation-threatened club has now gone 10 games without a win in all competitions.

There were more calls for Bruce to go on social media after the game.

And fan group Wor Flags – who put together the stunning flag displays of the Rafa Bentiez era – posted photographs online after the game of a banner which read: “Act late, seal your fate.”

Asked about the protest, head coach Bruce said: “Well, I'm disappointed to hear that.”

Villa’s goals, scored by Olly Watkins and Bertrand Traore, came before the break. Newcastle improved in the second half – and Allan Saint-Maximin made his long-awaited return from injury – but the game had been all but lost by then.

“We’ve been on a really difficult run – there’s no disputing that,” said Bruce. “But, as I keep saying, we’re not alone. It’s our turn, so it’s how we handle it and get ready for Tuesday (and Leeds United).

"That little bit of confidence comes with a win. We’ve been stuck on 19 points for a while now, so the quicker we get a win, obviously the better.

“When you’re in the bottom half of the Premier League, you’re always looking over your shoulder. In that respect, it hasn’t changed. But what you do need is to erase it all by winning a couple of games, and that’s what we’re still trying to do.”

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