Steve Bruce is safe at Newcastle United, despite their disappointing season so far.
The Evening Chronicle says Bruce is under no immediate threat as Newcastle United head coach despite the desperate midweek League Cup exit he oversaw this week.
The Magpies hierarchy will be well aware of rising supporter disquiet on social media at the performances overseen by Bruce. But the intention remains to back the United boss in the transfer window if there are players who can "improve" his squad.
Bruce has been given a freer hand than most of his predecessors to shape both his squad and his team, with the £20million signing of Callum Wilson breaking the transfer blueprint laid out by Mike Ashley.
He has also pressed for a series of his experienced players to be handed new contracts, including Jonjo Shelvey, Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow, Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie.
That support seems set to continue for the moment, with insiders suggesting that the impact of the covid infections on the club have had a big impact on recent lethargic performances - despite Bruce playing that down.
