Newcastle United are in a 'real state of waiting for something to happen' and that is only going to have a negative impact on results the longer it goes on.
That is the view of Gary Caldwell, who recently spent three weeks in interim charge of the club's under-23s and came through the ranks, himself, as a player.
Caldwell returned to Tyneside in August after academy manager Steve Harper got in touch following Chris Hogg's departure to MK Dons.
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Although it was a temporary role, initially, while Newcastle carried out a recruitment process which is still going on, Caldwell did want the job on a permanent basis.
However, the Scot ultimately ended up being offered the chance to look after Man City's loan players.
"That was why it was such a short time but I was only going in for three weeks to help him," Caldwell told the Football Daily podcast. "I did apply for the job but got the City job.
"From the academy's point of view, there are great people. Steve Harper's trying to change a few things. Fantastic facilities. Fantastic football club.
"But I went to a couple of first-team games while I was there and Steve Bruce actually caught the ball during one of the games and the whole stadium started booing as the manager holds the ball. When he threw it, they all started cheering and that's not the Newcastle I know.
"I was there under [Kevin] Keegan, under Bobby Robson, and that stadium and that club...the fans are very positive. They have energy, they have a passion for their football club, and the whole club now is in a real state of waiting almost for something to happen and the longer that goes, that has to have a negative impact on results."
Winless Newcastle are currently in 19th place in the Premier League but Bruce retains the backing of the club's hierarchy despite recording just seven victories since mid-December.
Mike Ashley is desperate to resurrect the club's Saudi-backed takeover via the courts and a crucial arbitration hearing is due to start on January 3.
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