Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce is ready to answer an SOS from Newcastle United.

The Mirror says the Toon job has always been Bruce's dream despite his potential claims to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Ashley faces a major decision with caretakers Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood thrown into a relegation dogfight by Joe Kinnear's triple heart by-pass operation. Terry Venables and Bryan Robson have been considered as short-term options.

But Bruce would be a winner with the fans and those close to him guarantee that he would take on the task at the Toon this time around.