Source: Northern_Echo
Bruce backing for boss
AS he prepares to lock horns with Chris Hughton on Sunday, Steve Bruce has revealed his admiration for the Newcastle United manager and believes speculation surrounding his rival's future is ridiculous.[LNB] Some reports suggested after the draw with Wigan a fortnight ago that, had Fabricio Coloccini not scored a last-gasp equaliser Hughton's position would be under threat.[LNB] Home form has been a problem for the Magpies, after defeats to Blackpool and Stoke, and despite a win last weekend defeat to the Wearsiders could put pressure on Hughton.[LNB] Although Bruce will be looking to get one over his rival, he believes Hughton is the right man to lead Newcastle and says rumours surrounding his position at St James' are appalling.[LNB] I find that absolutely totally ridiculous, and that is the downside to what we do, Bruce said.[LNB] He's not really been given any backing in terms of finance, it was chaos all around him then last year he gets them promoted.[LNB] They look as if they've got a good spirit and pride and that's down to the fella that leads them from the front.[LNB] I find that appalling but that's unfortunately what we have to deal with and for him to answer questions on it, I found that totally ridiculous.[LNB] I hope that they give him the respect that he deserves because he has done extremely well in difficult circumstances.[LNB] He's a proper football man and I hope that they've looked after him in a way which is right.[LNB] Bruce takes his side to St James' Park on a seven-match unbeaten run and despite recent wobbles from the Magpies at home, the Sunderland boss believes Hughton has done a remarkable job.[LNB] He's created a spirit among them, which is very good, Bruce said.[LNB] He's got them promoted in a time it was chaos and Chris being Chris has got the best out of what he's got.[LNB] I've got the biggest admiration for what he's achieved and sometimes people see being nice as a weakness and, certainly with Chris, I hope that's not the case.[LNB] Because he's done fantastically well and kept a fantastic dignity about him as well and I hope they respect him in a way he should be done.[LNB]
