Pundit Micah Richards has called for Newcastle United fans to “ease off” Steve Bruce and has praised his former boss for doing a “really good job” so far on Tyneside.
The former England international worked under the Magpies' head coach during his spell at Aston Villa between 2016 and 2018.
Bruce faced the unenviable task of replacing popular former boss Rafa Benitez in the dugout at St James' Park.
The 58-year-old was brought in late in the summer, and endured a sticky start to life as the black and whites boss with heavy defeats against Norwich City and Leicester City.
But recent victories against Manchester United, West Ham United, and Bournemouth have given the Magpies a seven-point cushion over the relegation zone heading into the international break.
Speaking on BBC 5 Live Sport, the former Manchester City defender believes his former manager has done well so far given the "circumstances" of his arrival.
Richard said: “I worked under him. Some would argue he doesn’t play great football, but they are organised, hard-working and try and catch you on the counter-attack.
“If you’ve got the basics right in football, it’s just about getting that little bit right and that little bit of luck in front of goal.
“I don’t think Almiron has scored yet and he’ll want to get off the mark at some stage. Joelinton’s not really started as well as he [would have] liked, but the Longstaff brothers look very well.
“Shelvey when he comes to the side offers a little bit more creativity. Lascelles has been a bit of a rock at the back along with Schar.
“I think the fans should ease off Steve Bruce a little bit because I think he’s done a really good job under these circumstances. “
