Steve Bruce admits he would like better players at Newcastle

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce admits that he would like "better players" at the club but he was not in a position to make it happen in the summer.

Bruce was able to add Arsenal's Joe Willock to his ranks over the summer as he arrived in a £25m deal - but that was the only deal the club would sanction.

The Magpies boss tried to bring players in on deadline day, but the club would not sanction the moves and the following day released a statement outlining their position - which did not go down well with the already disgruntled fan base.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of their Friday evening clash with Leeds United, he was again pushed about his squad.

"You don't think I want better players? Of course I do, but it is not possible," the Newcastle boss explained, before insisting that he will continue to manage the club as best he can, despite the constant pressure on him.

“It’s not all about me. I’m here to only do what I think is best for the club – and that is manage it as best I can and keep us moving along.

“It’s for other people to answer that (questions about his future). I will continue to do my best. I’m never going to walk away from the challenge of it, that’s for sure. You’re asking the wrong person.”

He also reiterated that no matter the obstacles put in front of him walking away from the Newcastle job is not an option, while he also praised the club's supporters for getting behind the team.

"Knowing the way I am, it’s not in my nature to walk away from something when we’re in a fight. ‘Oh it’s too difficult so I’m going to walk away’, that doesn’t really register with me.

"Our fanbase makes our club unique. I want the team to put a performance together the fans will enjoy watching & then I'm sure the fans will get behind the team, as they always have done."