It would be a "travesty" if Steve Bruce was to be sacked after achieving a top-ten finish with Newcastle United.
That's the view of Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips, who believes the head coach deserves an opportunity to impress under the would-be owners.
United's emphatic victory at Bournemouth on Wednesday lifted Bruce's side past the 40-point mark, and within touching distance of the top-half.
The Magpies have picked up seven points from a possible nine since the restart, and the head coach has urged his side to kick on and seal a top-ten finish.
However, the ongoing takeover saga on Tyneside continues to cast doubt over Bruce's long-term future at St James' Park. Former United boss Rafa Benitez and Mauricio Pochettino are among the names linked with the hotseat should the deal be approved by the Premier League.
Phillips accepts the would-be owners will likely "want to do things their own way" after taking control of the club. However, the pundit believes Bruce has done a "fantastic job" to date and deserves the chance to invest in the squad in the summer and "have a go next season".
Phillips told Football Insider: “From my view point of view, it should, but no one is un-sackable.
“I have backed him and said he has done a fantastic job at Newcastle.
“It would be a travesty if they finish in the top-10 and he ends up losing his job in the summer. I would be gutted.
“It is a tough one because new owners will come in and want to do things their own way.
“However, it would be sending the wrong message to a lot of people if he was to be sacked.
“He has done a great job so give the money to him to spend, bring some players in and have a go next season.”
