Bruce could leave Newcastle United if fans return to St James' Park turns nasty - The Times

Steve Bruce has thrown his future at Newcastle United into doubt after suggesting that he could be forced out by supporter protests.

This comes from The Times, who reveal that Bruce has suggested he'd 'consider his future' at the club if he felt the abuse aimed at himself turned nasty and hampered the performance of his players as a result.

Interestingly, Bruce also refused to confirm he'd be at the club next season when speaking on talkSPORT yesterday morning, saying there was "big discussions to be had" - even if he insisted he wasn't considering retirement just yet.

As we know, fans return to St James' Park for the first time this season next week, with 10,000 set to see us take on Sheffield United next Wednesday.

With these latest claims on Steve Bruce in mind, it'll be interesting to see what sort of reception the unpopular NUFC boss receives.

There'll no doubt be some delighted to be back in St James' Park and keen to applaud the players for last week's superb 4-2 win over Leicester - a victory that secured our Premier League status - however Bruce's bizarre decision to question fan expectation on national radio this week has done him no favours ahead of this one.

I am quite certain Mike Ashley will stick with Steve Bruce based on the fact he's achieved his one and only goal - Premier League survival - but I do think his resolve would be tested, as would Bruce's, if fans turned on the NUFC boss inside the stadium.

After all, Bruce isn't as thick skinned as he claims to be - he can't take criticism - and Ashley won't want season ticket sales to dwindle or a half-empty stadium after a year without matchday income.

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