This is why Steve Bruce doesn't yet expect to hear his name sung by fans

Newcastle United are 11th in the division ahead of this afternoon’s home game against Southampton.

Bruce’s appointment as head coach was met with a lukewarm reception on Tyneside. Asked if fans would be singing his name before Christmas, Bruce said: “What is it, another month? I’m not so sure about that!”

On the the backing the team got during Thursday night’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, Bruce said: “They were fantastic. I’ve said it many times – that’s what makes the football club. Tor many, many years, they’ve stayed loyal behind their team. They’re unrelenting in their support.”

Bruce, a boyhood United fan, hopes to forge a bond with supporters over time. The 58-year-old said: “I hope I can prove a few people wrong, but there’s still a long way to go.”