STEVE BRUCE hinted that the returning Toon Army could force him to leave Newcastle.
The Magpies boss refused to confirm he will carry on next season ahead of talks with owner Mike Ashley in the coming weeks.
Bruce remains deeply unpopular among the Newcastle fan-base, who will be back at St James’ Park for next week’s clash against Sheffield United.
Asked about facing angry supporters, he said: “We are always one dip away from that situation, and it’s something I’ve really got to think long and hard about.
“It then becomes damaging to the football club and the players.
“We try and keep them away from all these situations, but if it hampers them then that’s one thing I’ve got to look at.”
And Bruce, 60, cast further doubt over his future when asked directly on talkSPORT if he will be at the helm beyond the summer.
The Magpies boss added: “It is for others to decide.
“Most clubs will have big discussions and review the season. I am a football person and it is still too early to retire yet.
“But those conversations will happen over the next couple of weeks, I am sure.”
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Three wins from five, including last Friday’s stunning 4-2 win at Leicester, leaves Newcastle all-but certain of safety.
Relegation looked a real possibility following a shocking 3-0 defeat at Brighton in late March.
But the return to fitness of Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson, as well as four vital goals from Arsenal loanee Joe Willock, has transformed Bruce’s side.
And the Geordie said: “The vast majority of people you speak to on the street are wishing me the best of luck and telling me to take no notice of the rubbish.
“You have to accept criticism, it is part and parcel of it, but I think at times it has been unjust.
“I have always said to try and judge me when I have a fit squad.
“Here is the big thing. Newcastle in the last 14-15 years have been in the bottom half of the Premier League.
“We would all love to see Newcastle United being back to signing the Alan Shearers of this world for world record fees but that just isn’t going to happen.
“That’s the difficult thing, managing the expectation that is obviously still there.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
