Steve Bruce says that the biggest disappointment of Newcastle United's Premier League restart was the fact that one of their best performances of the season came into front of an empty stadium.
Only a handful of journalists and TV crews were permitted for the encounter with Sheffield United with three goals in 23 second half minutes scored to only the cheers from the Toon dugout.
Bruce, who has proved a lot of doubters wrong since taking the job, led United to 38 points with eight games to spare.
Bruce said: “My staff have just said it could only happen to me, that we have a 3-0 win and there's nobody here to see it.
“But I'm sure around their homes and where they're tuning in – they'll be tuning in somewhere – they'll have a tin of beer and celebrate their team winning 3-0.
"It doesn't happen very often, so I'm delighted. I would love to have a full stadium don't get me wrong, but we'll still accept it, that's for sure."
Bruce will now prepare his side for the clash against Aston Villa this week when another win could nudge them past the 40 points mark.
He said: "After the restart and al of what has gone before us, of course, the one thing you want to do is get off to a good start.
"We had a big week 106 days ago by beating West Brom and then going to Southampton and turning them over, and then a game today, especially after we've changed the system.
"I think that's pleased me more than anything and the timing could have been better which is vitally important because, before that, I didn't think we were ready.
"But we've got out big players playing at the top end of the pitch and as we've seen today, they can be a big threat.
"It's suited us to change, so all well and good. It's been a nice start."
