Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan believes that Steve Bruce is not an owner's puppet at Newcastle United.

Bruce has impressed since taking over at the Magpies in the summer.

He has kept them clear of the relegation places, despite much pessimism around the club after the departure of Rafa Benitez.

Jordan told talkSPORT on Bruce: "We had our challenges but Steve is a brilliant manager, and I'm a major advocate of his because I know what he is.

"When you get this [negative] narrative about 'he's this or that' I know what he was - even when we fell out, I knew what he was, that was why I was disappointed to lose him.

"He's got an opportunity at Newcastle United which has earnt.

"Clubs like Hull have been peripheral clubs - he's now at a moderately big club, I'm pleased for him, and he's a really good manager."