Newcastle United chiefs are standing by manager Steve Bruce.

ChronicleLive says Bruce's position in the St James' Park hotseat is not considered to be at risk at this stage of the season.

Toon owner Mike Ashley is prepared to give the head coach and his coaching staff time to turn around the Magpies' fortunes, and will not be inclined to act unless the team is cut adrift in the relegation zone come the winter period.

Former Napoli coach Rino Gattuso is one of a host of names that have previously been tipped as a potential replacement for Bruce, with recent reports again naming both Eddie Howe and Chris Wilder as interested candidates in the role.