Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce believes the club has to take responsibility for low attendances.

The Magpies are enjoying a better than expected season under Bruce, as they sit in 10th place in the Premier League after 16 games.

But their 2-1 win over Southampton at the weekend was their lowest crowd in nearly nine years.

Bruce told reporters after the game: "I know there were a few numbers here which were down, and maybe the club has to try to help at this particular time.

"Can they help the supporters at this difficult time when Christmas is coming?

"It's difficult for people to afford to come to the matches, so maybe there's something we can do as a club to try to get the numbers up.

"We need St James' Park full again."