TalkSPORT pundit jumps to Steve Bruce's defence over 'unfair' Newcastle criticism after Carabao Cup exit

Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United. (Photo by Owen Humphreys - Pool/Getty Images)

The 59-year-old saw his side crash out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of second-tier Brentford on Tuesday evening, meaning that the Magpies’ half-century wait for a notable piece of silverware must go on.

Bruce has also overseen a 5-2 thrashing at the hands of newly-promoted Leeds United and a tepid draw against relegation-threatened Fulham in the past week, but former West Ham striker Cole is still adamant that the Toon boss is doing a good job on Tyneside.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “At the end of the day, he [Bruce] has given them stability in the Premier League.

"I remember when he took over, it was really hard for them. It was doom and gloom.

"One season in the Premier League, he consolidated them in the Premier League, and exceeded all expectations, I thought. I thought they were going to be going down, to be honest.

"This season I think all of the fans have turned on him. They want to see more exciting football, obviously, but that’s not what Steve Bruce produces. He produces consolidation in the Premier League, and he’ll make sure that they stay in the Premier League.

"It is a big factor for supporters right now, because they want to see exciting football. They want to see a philosophy, and I think he's not offering the philosophy that everyone wants to see.

"Newcastle are in a position that I feel they deserve to be. They’re 12th. It’s just that the fans don’t see a direction, and that’s what they're complaining about.

"I think sometimes, there’s got to be a sacrifice for certain teams. Newcastle are at that stage at the moment.

"They’re at a crossroads where they [supporters] would rather see them doing worse than they are at the moment, and I think that’s a bit unfair on Steve.”

Prior to their defeat against Leeds last Wednesday, Newcastle had picked up two consecutive wins in the Premier League, beating Crystal Palace and West Brom in successive outings.

The Toon Army are currently equidistant between the relegation zone and a Champions League qualification spot, separated from both by an eight-point buffer.