Steve Bruce has again declared he won't walk away from the Newcastle United job.
Indeed, he wants to be manager NEXT season.
The defiant boss has faces widespread calls for him to be sacked in the last fortnight after a terrible defeat to Brighton.
Bruce retains the backing of owner Mike Ashley and said: “I never take anything for granted. I realise the performance against Brighton was simply not good enough.
“You accept people's opinions and move on with it. I have never walked away. The easy thing, in a fight, is to walk away. The last thing I will do is walk away. Certain individuals are entitled to their opinion. I am determined to see it through.
“Let's erase Brighton against a very good Spurs team. Let's be ready for that challenge.
“The owner has not had anything to say at all. He sent his support to rally the troops and get behind everyone. Nothing has changes. I have an everyday rapport with the chief exec.
"It has been tough. When you take the Newcastle job there is no shying away form it. You rely on your family and staff to put it right, and you draw on experience. To do 980 games there is experience there. In some people's eyes you'd have thought I'd done half a dozen."
Asked if he will be boss next season Bruce said: “That is for others to decide. I can only focus on the next nine games. I hope I am still the manager of Newcastle next year. That is for others to decide."