Newcastle United's board is delighted with manager Steve Bruce.

The Evening Chronicle says while some have criticised Bruce, Newcastle - unsurprisingly - remain supportive of the manager.

United under Mike Ashley have built a reputation of backing their bosses and the club agree with Bruce's point about needing time to progress.

Newcastle have picked up points while playing poorly on occasion, but are in the quarter-finals of the League Cup and have a run of fixtures which Bruce believes will give more of an indication of where they stand this season.

Newcastle believe a top half finish - progress on the last two seasons - is a more than realistic aim.

There is also an element of realism about the amount spent over the summer, which was much less than was anticipated before the pandemic hit Newcastle's finances.