Former Newcastle United assistant boss Steve Agnew has hit back at criticism of ex-boss Steve Bruce.
Bruce and his assistants, Agnew and Steve Clemence, were given their marching orders by the club's new owners.
New boss Eddie Howe has brought in his own backroom team as he hopes to keep the club in the Premier League this term.
"As a coaching team, we worked tirelessly in a bid to improve the squad," said Agnew.
"Whether it was on the training pitch, watching videos, analysing data or just discussing tactics, we certainly put the hours in.
"To say there were too many days off or that the players got off lightly is out of order.
"Whenever we did give them time off, it was only after taking advice from the sports scientists.
"Of course, you're always judged on results and the fact is this season we knew we were under the pump because it just didn't happen for us.
"Good luck to Eddie and his team. It's an exciting time and we wish him all the best."
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