In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who made 267 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United, is not surprised by the lack of urgency on Tyneside as he believes Mike Ashley is simply not bothered as long as Newcastle stay in the Premier League.
The Magpies have experienced two relegations during the Ashley era and they are currently staring another one in the face, however, there is no sign of Steve Bruce being replaced as manager despite the dismal 3-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, with the club still outside of the bottom three.
Is Bruce the man to keep Newcastle up?
Yes, he’s the right man!
No, they’re down!
Lee has criticised Ashley’s unwillingness to invest in the squad and believes that is the main reason why Newcastle find themselves constantly fighting at the foot of the table.
Speaking on Ashley’s continued neglect of the Magpies and not being surprised that Bruce is still the Magpies’ manager, Lee told FFC:
“No, I’m not surprised at all. I think the remit of whatever manager comes in is basically to keep Newcastle up.
“Other clubs are spending £100 million every year and we’re spending about £20 million. So, the only remit any manager can have is to keep us in the division.
“I think if someone’s not going to invest in the team, and is looking to sell the club as he has for a long time then that’s all he’ll want. Ashley will be happy for Newcastle to just remain in the Premier League so the price stays the same and he still has a chance of selling it.
“Regardless of who’s in charge and who replaces Steve, if someone replaces Steve, who do the fans expect to come in and work under Mike Ashley?”
Steve Bruce is adamant that he is the right man to guide Newcastle United to safety despite all the teams around them being in better form than the Magpies.
Newcastle United’s two biggest games of the season are arguably their final two. They welcome Sheffield United to St James’ Park before travelling to Craven Cottage on the last day of the season.