Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has said the criticism being received by Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce from fans is "through no fault of his own."
Neville was speaking ahead of Leeds' trip to St James' Park on Friday night. The Magpies are seeking their first win of the new Premier League season, having struggled for form in the early weeks of the 2021-22 term.
Following a disappointing start, fans have made their feelings known towards Bruce in recent weeks. Since being appointed by Newcastle in 2019, the 60-year-old has been a deeply unpopular figure in he main, with poor results and style of football leaving supporters miffed.
Nevertheless, ahead of the game Neville said during the Sky Sports broadcast that he had some sympathy for Bruce, who he believes was appointed by owner Mike Ashley to share some of the flak from the St James' Park faithful.
"Of course it’s a difficult job, I think you think of Newcastle, Leeds United, Liverpool, hotbeds of football, passionate fans," he said. "...Obviously now, Steve Bruce isn’t for them through no fault on his own and Mike Ashley’s appointed him knowing that, which makes him even more unpopular."
Neville added that Newcastle's current situation saddens him given the team did compete against his Manchester United sides on occasion during the early days of the Premier League.
"I’ve said this before and I’m going to repeat myself again, it is desperate when you saw this club in the 90’s like I did coming up here having title-winning fights in football terms, the atmosphere was special, one of the best you’ll ever see," he continued.
"To see it now with the way it is is in football terms depressing."
Bruce was able to steer Newcastle to safety last season, although the team appears set for another campaign near the bottom of the Premier League table.
They have yet to win any of their four top-flight matches in 2021-22 and were also eliminated from the League Cup by Burnley.
On Friday, Raphinha gave Leeds an early lead at St James' Park, leaving Bruce and his players with yet another mountain to climb.
