'I just want to know when the last time Newcastle United fans were happy' - Sky Sports pundit takes aim in defence of Steve Bruce

Magpies supporters have voiced their anger towards Steve Bruce over the last seven days following defeats at bottom club Sheffield United and Arsenal.

Those games have formed a run of nine matches without a win for Bruce and co, scoring just four goals in the process.

A large majority of Newcastle fans now want Bruce sacked from his head coach role, but the ex-Sunderland boss is vowing to face up the challenge.

Reo-Coker is the latest pundit to sympathise with the 60-year-old, believing the problems on Tyneside don’t just lie at his door.

However, before giving his take on the Magpies’ struggles, the retires midfielder decided to take a cheap dig.

“I just want to know when the last time Newcastle fans were happy,” he told Sky Sports’ Football Show.

“It’s a tough position for Steve Bruce. You look at everything there from his appointment - let’s just say Newcastle fans weren’t very happy with it anyway, they haven’t welcomed him with open arms.

“If I describe Newcastle in one word, I’d have to say really, truly toxic. That’s the best word to describe it.

“From the ownership point of view, fans have an issue with the owner Mike Ashley, there were obviously talks of a takeover that never materialised. We’ve had the Covid outbreak situation.

"It’s such a difficult situation overall in the bigger picture of that club. It’s not just one specific thing.

"I think the one bit of criticism you can direct at Steve Bruce is not having his own set principle of how he wants his team to play.

“I think he’s tinkered and changed it too many times at the wrong times, the wrong games and wrong occasions where he needs to have a set principle of ‘this is our formation, this is how we’re going to play and this is going to be our approach every game’.

“I think fans would be a lot more happy with that if they see a consistent style of play, a consistent belief and principle in a footballing foundation.

“It’s such a difficult situation there. You feel for Steve Bruce a bit with everything that has gone on. I just think everyone has played a part for the atmosphere and current situation at Newcastle.