Steve Bruce has shrugged off a week of intense rumours suggesting his time is up as Newcastle United boss.
Bruce said journalists need to ask others - above him - if he still has a future after the Magpies crashed to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in game one of the club's new era.
However, Bruce was sent out to handle media duties with no signal from those in the boardroom to tell him to do otherwise.
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During a tough chapter in Bruce's two-year tenure he must now start preparations for the trip to Crystal Palace.
When asked about decisions above his head, Bruce said: "That's for other people to decide.
"If I was believing everything I saw last week, I might not have been here today.
"My job is to get a few results.
"Unfortunately this year, if you're a manager in the Premier League and you haven't won in seven or eight, you come under pressure.
"It's part of the deal of being in the Premier League."
Bruce feels he at least has the "near future" to continue in his role.
He said: "It's a big league for big boys and I'll crack on until I hear otherwise.
"Every football club needs clarity, from the top right the way through.
"The new owners have been very respectful.
"I can't say enough of them, the way they've gone about their business.
"It's up to me, in the near future anyway, to try and get better."
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