Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Steve Bruce is poised to become Newcastle United’s next boss – with Toon owner Mike Ashley ready to sack Alan Pardew this week, writes Neil Moxley in the Sunday People.

And the Hull manager will spearhead a Geordie alliance by appointing Alan Shearer his No.2.

Toon gaffer Pardew is under mounting pressure, with fans calling for his head again during the Magpies' humiliating 4-0 defeat at Southampton on Saturday.

One angry supporter even attempted to challenge Pardew at the final whistle before being ushered away by stewards.

When asked about the criticism from the travelling fans, Pardew said: “They are fair because you can’t get beat 4-0 as Newcastle manager.

“It is tough to take and not that easy to digest and not easy for the players to play under those circumstances.”

Banners reading ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ were held aloft in the away end but Pardew remains defiant.

(Image: Mike Hewitt)

The former West Ham boss said: “We have to be strong and try and tough it out this week and come back next week.”

Ironically, next week Newcastle face... Bruce’s Hull.

Former Sunderland chief Bruce – who turned down the Toon job in 2001 – would, if appointed, offer the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer Shearer the chance to return to the club as his No.2, having first cleared the issue with Ashley.

It would represent a remarkable turnaround for the 53-year-old who boasts an impressive pedigree in management.

He was hounded out of Sunderland with the chant ‘Fat Geordie b*****d’ ringing in his ears – but he has never forgotten his roots.

He has always kept an eye out for the job on Tyneside and, although it would be a wrench to leave the KC Stadium, he would jump at the opportunity of managing his home-town club.

The former double-winner with Manchester United has worked wonders on Humberside. He has consolidated Hull’s position in the top flight and last season guided them to the FA Cup Final.

13 September Premier League gallery:

Pardew has never convinced the Toon Army of his credentials, despite being handed a mammoth eight-year contract.

Toon have won only one of their last 12 Premier League games going back to last season.

His relationship with Ashley has enabled him to withstand criticism that has been raining down from the stands at St James’ Park. But he could be in an awkward position next week when Hull visit Tyneside.

Pardew had no excuses for the Southampton horror show. “To be honest the better team won,” he said. We have played OK at the start of the season but we really just got caught out today.

“All I can do until told otherwise is plan the group for next week.”

Meanwhile, Shearer told Radio 5 Live: “The pressure’s really on him.”