Newcastle United should back Steve Bruce in the event of a takeover rather than making the 'absurd' decision to replace the head coach with Mauricio Pochettino.
That's the view of pundit Chris Kirkland, who believes the current Magpies boss 'knows a gem' and should be supported in the transfer market.
Bruce continues to divide opinion on Tyneside since his appointment in July 2019, despite guiding the club to a comfortable mid-table finish and an FA Cup quarter-final in his debut season in the hotseat.
The Magpies' style of play has drawn criticism in spite of a solid if unspectacular start to the new Premier League campaign with a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford on the horizon.
Bruce's future at St James' Park came under scrutiny in the summer in the midst of the takeover saga, with former boss Rafa Benitez and Pochettino linked with the managerial post.
The Saudi Arabian PIF-led bid currently remains mothballed, while United owner Mike Ashley has instructed two leading QCs for legal action against the Premier League over their decision to reject the takeover.
Kirkland believes regardless of how any proposed takeover pans out, Bruce deserves the opportunity to continue in his position and has backed the 59-year-old to invest well in the transfer market.
Kirkland told This is Futbol: “He just knows a gem when he’s got one and I’d love to see him get money to spend at Newcastle.”
Regarding any potential takeover, the former Liverpool goalkeeper added: “Whether that’ll happen or not, you know, they don’t spend much money, do they, Newcastle – until they get taken over, but then there’s the talk if they get taken over, will they sack him and get a Pochettino in or get somebody else in, which is absurd for me.
"But nothing should surprise you in football.”
