Newcastle United's players need to 'fight against fear' and develop a siege mentality if they are to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
That is the verdict of former England manager Glenn Hoddle who believes the Magpies' players need to shut out the noise surrounding the future of manager Steve Bruce and owner Mike Ashley.
Bruce is coming under increasing pressure after a run of just two wins in 20 matches has left Newcastle just two points clear of the relegation zone with nine matches remaining.
With Ashley still fighting an arbitration battle with the Premier League over the failed takeover bid of a Saudi-backed consortium last summer, there is a lot of eyes on Newcastle heading into a crucial period of the season.
And with Newcastle set to stick with Bruce for the time-being, Hoddle has urged Bruce and the players to use the noise surrounding the club as fuel for the end of season run-in.
"It's down to Steve and this group of players," Hoddle told The Glenn Hoddle Footy Show.
"They need to stick together and be in harmony. Everyone needs to have each other's back. They need to fight for every aerial challenge. Fight for everyone free ball and to win matches it's got to be that.
"They need to have that spirit amongst them.
"They need to try their best. Sometimes it's not enough, but they need to try. They need to harmonise that group of players.
"Because easily they can start feeling sorry for themselves. Fear can overtake you."
However, Hoddle has urged Newcastle's star to 'fight against fear' if they are to remain a Premier League side.
"That's the problem," Hoddle added.
"You have to fight against fear. The only way you can fight against fear is by pulling together and making sure every single player does his job.
"Whatever the manager asks you to do, do your job. Do it for the club. Do it for the manager, do it for yourselves. Then you give yourself the best possible chance to get out of any trouble."
