Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has given a damning take on the club's 2019/20 Premier League season.
It may be a relief for fans that the Magpies are not worrying about relegation with a few games to go in the campaign, but Shearer insists it has been far from a successful season.
The distraction of the club's uncertain future as a potential takeover continues to loom and this has not helped Steve Bruce plan for the future.
Ahead of the clash at Watford, Shearer was asked whether all things considered it had been a successful season for Bruce and his team.
Whilst he acknowledged the solid job done by the ex-Birmingham City and Hull City boss, the former England star was quick to offer up a stark reminder of the tough situation Newcastle are in.
Asked if this season has been a success, Shearer told Amazon Prime TV: "No, it means that Steve has done a very good job. He has done as good a job as he could have done with what he has available.
"That doesn't mean it has been a successful season. At times some of the football has been very poor, albeit over the past few weeks Newcastle have scored more goals.
"I'm sure Steve would say exactly the same as that. They went out of the FA Cup without a fight.
"They have been fighting relegation all season and it's now a relief that they can look ahead to next season."
Shearer continued: "But also from Steve's point of view he needs to know what is going to happen next season. At the minute the club is in limbo. Is the takeover happening?
"He (Bruce) walked into the job with players already signed which made it difficult to start with.
"Newcastle don't know what kind of player they can go for until we know more about whether the takeover can happen."
Shearer was also asked about the fact that Jonjo Shelvey is the club's top scorer this season, with the former striker adding: "That''s a good return for a midfielder, six goals.
"But that also tells you a story about the attack. All of this money has been spent and they haven't delivered. You have to look at the recruitment side of things as a result."
