Mike Ashley has shown loyalty to Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce because he has not “agitated or been aggressive” this season despite their struggles.
Bruce took over at Newcastle in July 2019 as he left his role at Sheffield Wednesday. He replaced former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, who had been very popular during his time at St James’ Park.
The former Sunderland boss matched Benitez in his first season in charge as he guided the Magpies to a 13th place finish in the Premier League.
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Newcastle made a decent start to this season, but a dire run of form has seen them plummet down the table. They have only won twice this year so far in all competition.
This stretch of results has seen them drop to 17th in the table and they are just two points above Fulham.
John Gibson – a columnist for The Chronicle – has encouraged Ashley to get rid of Bruce:
“I think the loyalty that’s been rewarded by Mike Ashley is that Steve Bruce has not agitated, been aggressive or been on the phone regularly to his owner to put things right at St. James’ Park.
“That was the mistake in Ashley’s eyes that Benitez made – he didn’t walk quietly into the sunset instead he kicked along the way against the traces.
“Steve Bruce hasn’t done that – and doesn’t do that. He hasn’t given any problems whatsoever to Mike Ashley, and the owner likes that.
“Ashley’s interest in Newcastle is limited to ‘can I beat the Premier League and get this club sold?’
“It’s not a genuine interest though.
“It’s very late in the day to do the best by the fans and the club – the last people that Mike Ashley is loyal to are the fans.
“They love the club from cradle to grave and fill out St James’ Park without any hint of success at any stage and yet they are dismissed.
“There’s no loyalty shown to the fans, and the only loyalty shown is convenient loyalty to the manager.
“Mike Ashely has to decide enough is enough and that friendship, loyalty and all the nice things that don’t matter.
“He has a responsibility to the club and to the fans.”
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