Robbie Savage thinks Steve Bruce should leave Newcastle United as the former midfielder jumps to the manager's defence.
The Magpies boss has been under pressure for some time now, with his side massively underperforming this season.
However, in recent games, there's been somewhat of a resurgence from Bruce 's team - who are now six points clear of the relegation zone after Saturday's win against West Ham United.
A survey conducted last month by ChronicleLive revealed that 95% of 14,000 fans asked wanted Bruce to leave the club.
That's what Savage thinks he should do, but on his own terms, as he defended the Geordie coach.
Writing in his Mirror column, the former Leicester City man said: "Steve Bruce is a good man, a good manager, and I believe he will keep Newcastle United in the Premier League.
"But one way or another, I fear his days at St James' Park are numbered and it might be best for all concerned if they part company this summer - because the atmosphere around the club has become too toxic.
"If he stays in place into next season, the fixture computer hands Newcastle a tough start and the fans, readmitted to that fantastic stadium like a fortress overlooking the city, vent their feelings, the environment could be intolerable.
"Let's get it straight: Even if his team's football this season has often been grinding and stodgy, Bruce has not deserved the tsunami of abuse he's copped on social media.
"He loves Newcastle United, he cares about the club and he is a human being.
"It's no surprise that the return of Allan Saint-Maximin, their most exciting player, from illness and injury has lifted them six points clear of danger. And top scorer Callum Wilson's comeback will surely help them to secure safety.
"Newcastle fans on social media say I should apologise for defending Bruce on Six-0-Six.
"Yes, I understand their frustration that a great club is scrambling for safety instead of threatening the top six like West Ham and Everton.
"But apologise? What for?
"Fans who yearn for the days of swashbuckling, attacking football under Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson need to accept those days are gone.
"The reality, for most of the last 12 years, is that Newcastle have operated largely in the bottom half of the Premier League and they were relegated twice. That's not Steve Bruce's fault."
