Steve Bruce rules out Newcastle resignation following Tottenham defeat
Steve Bruce has vowed to fight on as Newcastle manager following his side's 3-2 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.
The game was the first with the club's new owners in attendance, with the Saudi-backed consortium being greeted with a carnival-like atmosphere before kick off.
Bruce's side got off to a perfect start too with Callum Wilson nodding them in front early on. However, their lead did not last long with Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min all striking for Spurs before the break.
A late Eric Dier own goal then gave Newcastle some hope a few minutes after substitute Jonjo Shelvey was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
By the end of the game, many in attendance were calling for Bruce to be sacked and the Magpies boss admitted that the chants were tough to hear.
“It is not easy,” Bruce said.
“I understand their frustration, and I understand how they’ve been for a long time. But at the end of the day we have not won enough matches this season, so whether you are myself or anybody else and if you are not winning, or not winning enough, then you have to take the consequences.”
Asked if he still has a future at St James’ Park, Bruce replied: “You will have to ask others on that one.
"I’ve maybe done it when I've had the chance of a better opportunity, but I am not going to chuck it when it gets tough and we are in the bottom three. That’s not me.”
The game had to be halted in the first half due to a medical emergency. Fortunately the afflicted spectator has since stabilised and is being treated in hospital.
Spurs players Sergio Reguilon and Eric Dier acted quickly to alert the referee and medical staff to the incident, and Bruce praised everyone involved in the life-saving actions.
“Well done to everybody - players, medics, doctors, everybody,” he said. “It puts football into perspective. Thankfully there is a defibrillator over that side of the pitch.
“It looks like the medics have saved the man’s life, which we are all delighted about.
“I am delighted that he seems to be okay, and our thoughts are with his family and hope he gets well soon.”