‘Who is replacing Bruce?’ – Exclusive: Mills drops Newcastle verdict after Sky journalist reveal | OneFootball

Danny Mills has backed underfire Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce after their 1-0 defeat to bottom side Sheffield United.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds United and England full-back warned Newcastle fans they have to be “realistic” about the style of football the Magpies can play.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie claims the 60-year-old retains the full backing of owner Mike Ashley despite Tuesday night’s defeat pulling Newcastle further into a relegation battle.

The defeat at Bramall Lane means Newcastle last won on December 12 when they beat fellow strugglers West Brom 2-1.

Despite their poor form, Mills still believes it is not the right time to sack Bruce.

He told Football Insider: “I don’t think you get rid of him at the moment.

“Newcastle fans will possibly disagree with that and say the style of football, the brand of football isn’t brilliant but you have to be realistic.

“Who are you going to bring in instead of Steve Bruce? Who is replacing him? People are saying ‘bring in Eddie Howe’ but will he want to come? Will he want to leave the south coast and move all the way up north? It didn’t work for him last time when he went to Burnley. He also got a team relegated last season.

“Look what Brighton have done. ‘Let’s play a more attractive style of football, let’s change the brand of football, actually we’re still in the bottom three.’ There has to be a balance.

“I understand Newcastle fans’ frustrations – they want to play more attractive football, want to be higher up the table, want to be seen to be really competitive and go out and win games every single time.

“But there’s been injuries, there have been covid issues at Newcastle.

“Steve Bruce is always going to get a hard time. He’s never been the favourite there, so he’s always up against it.”

In other news, a top pundit has dropped a Gareth Bale-Newcastle United verdict after a big update.