Steve Agnew has hit back at suggestions Newcastle United's training schedule wasn't up to scratch during the Steve Bruce era.
The Yorkshireman, speaking to the Daily Star, insists that the departing back-room team were guided by the sports science staff when handing out days off during Newcastle's poor start to the season.
Agnew said: "As a coaching team, we worked tirelessly in a bid to improve the squad.
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"Whether it was on the training pitch, watching videos, analysing date or just discussing tactics, we certainly put the hours in.
"To say there were too many days off or that the players got off lightly is out of order.
"Whenever we did give them time off, it was only after taking advice from the sports scientists.
"Of course, you’re always judged on results and the fact is this season we knew we were under the pump because it just didn’t happen for us.
"Good luck to Eddie and his team. It’s an exciting time and we wish him all the best."
Agnew feels that Bruce will return to the game soon and admits he could join him.
He said: " Steve still has a lot to offer.
"His passion for the game is still there so it wouldn’t surprise me if he came back.
"What seems to be forgotten is his eye for talent.
"During his time at Hull and then Aston Villa, he signed the likes of Harry Maguire, Andy Robertson, John McGinn and Jarrod Bowen for relative peanuts so you’d think plenty of owners would be interested in someone with that record.
"And his man-management skills are second to none."
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