'I've watched two thirds of Newcastle's matches' - Robbie Savage responds to 'ridiculous' criticism from Toon fans

Robbie Savage has admitted that Newcastle United are playing “dreadful” football at the moment, but has also argued that he believes Steve Bruce is still capable of keeping them in the Premier League.
Robbie Savage.  (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)Robbie Savage.  (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Robbie Savage. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

The Magpies have been on a poor run of late, and haven’t picked up a win in their last eight matches across all competitions.

The Toon Army’s slump was compounded by a defeat to bottom side Sheffield United on Tuesday – the Blades’ first top flight win of the campaign.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Discussing Newcastle’s current plight with a supporter on Radio 5 Live’s 606 over the weekend, Savage sought to clarify his position on Bruce’s tenure in the dugout.

The outspoken pundit claimed that he was fully aware of the 60-year-old’s limitations as a manager, but also suggested that there is enough quality in his squad to ensure that he avoids relegation this term.

“Newcastle are playing dreadful”, Savage said.

"I just want to say, I’ve done a thing this week saying that I believe Newcastle are in a relegation battle.

"The stick that me and Chris [fellow host Chris Sutton] get on social media is ridiculous. We’ve never said Steve Bruce is a great manager. We’ve never said that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I never said that Newcastle would get in a Champions League place. I think that their average league in the Premier League since 1992 is 10th.

"They’re not playing well, it’s not great to watch, but when Steve Bruce says the remit is to stay in the Premier League and edge forward – if that’s his remit, I think he will keep you up, although it’ll be tough.

"And it’s not great to watch – Sheffield United, it was pretty woeful to watch. Even Steve Bruce has come out and said it.

"So we’re not saying that Bruce is a great manager. We’ve not said he should be managing Manchester United or all these big clubs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"What we’re saying is that he will keep Newcastle in the Premier League, whichever way that needs to be.”

Savage also responded to suggestions from some supporters that he and fellow pundits comment on the Magpies without paying attention to their actual performances.

He said: “I would say I’ve watched two thirds of Newcastle’s games this season.

"They have the least possession, I know Darlow makes all the saves – I know all the stats.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I watch Newcastle, and at times – I watched them against Arsenal in the FA Cup and they should have won that game. I thought they played exceptionally well in that second half.

"Then they go to Sheffield United, and it was so dull to watch. I understand.

"We do watch the games.”

Newcastle face a tricky clash against a revitalised Arsenal side in the Premier League on Monday evening.

The Gunners have put together a run of victories after making a dire start to the season, and could move into the top half with a win.

Three points for Newcastle would see them leapfrog Wolves into 14th, as well as moving them 10 points clear of the relegation zone.