Steve Bruce has admitted his family think he is 'sick' for refusing to walk away from the task of dragging Newcastle out of the Premier League doldrums.
The 60-year-old was thrust into the midst of a storm on Tyneside when he was controversially appointed as Rafael Benitez's replacement in July 2019, and has seen his doubters only increase in volume despite the Magpies successfully negotiating two battles against relegation.
A summer transfer window during which £25million midfielder Joe Willock was the only acquisition, much to Bruce's disappointment, and a winless start to the new campaign have simply increased the pressure.