Compared to Newcastle United, even Burnley fans can say they have some sort of hope. The proud Geordies are decades behind any meaningful season in which the Toon Army could hope for some sort of fight – like a fight for European place. For the last couple of years, even with the famous Rafa Benitez at the helm, the wealthy club owner Mike Ashley only wanted to give money when he really, really had to, and it’s not wonder that the club is (again) in the relegation battle this season. And this time, the chaos started after only four rounds. Again we are seeing clashes among players and coaches, and again we are seeing banners against the manager, who is refusing to resign, even when his own family think he is sick. ‘I, Wayne Rooney, request a transfer from…’Steve Bruce is into his third season as a manager, and it seems that this one will be his toughest, in case he survives on the bench until the end of the season. And again, just like last year, he is experiencing clashes with players. Last season, he had a bust up with Matt Richie, after publicly criticizing the player, and the two had to be restrained at the training ground, after the Scotsman called him ’a coward’. And this week, the main actors were his assistant Graeme Jones and reserve striker Dwight Gayle. And Daily Mail’s source from the training ground explained what happened between the former England national team assistant and a Newcastle forward:„There was a head-to-head after a disagreement. Jones said, “It’s always about you, Gayley”. Dwight wasn’t having it and said, “It’s been all about you since you’ve been with England“ This can happen between players, but when management are involved it’s never a good sign. There are some p***ed off players“ said the unnamed source. Apparently, Bruce also criticized one of his most reliable midfielders Isaac Hayden for his involvement in the second Ronaldo goal against Newcastle, even thou Hayden had to play as defender in that match. Players were also unhappy with the way training was organized, as Bruce used the international break to go to Portugal for four days, before the Manchester game. Still, the Newcastle born manager has a rolling contract with the club, and refuses to quit, even with fan protesting against him on every home and away match. “I’m not going to win popularity contests.”Steve Bruce says he understands the fans’ frustrations over his side’s performances but adds that, as a #NUFC supporter too – he wants the best for the club. ⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/sO2KhI09kp— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 17, 2021 “My family think I’m a bit sick because I never really think about those things when you’re up against it“ said Bruce recently. The reality is, Newcastle would have to pay around 1 billion Ksh in compensation if the is dismissed, and Mike Ashley would rather flirt with relegation (again), then to pay the coach. Still, if Newcastle doesn’t win soon, and remain in the danger zone until October, Mike Ashley will have to think twice about paying the compensation. Today’s game against Leeds is a crucial one, but Bruce is yet to defeat Marcel Bielsa, as his Leeds are too quick and attacking to handle. Luckily for United, Leeds are coming without three of their top 4 defenders, which is a good thing for the hosts, but on the other hand, their best striker, Callum Wilson is injured (again). ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 5Fri 22:00: (3.10) Newcastle (3.50) Leeds (2.40)Sat 14:30: (1.92) Wolverhampton (3.45) Brentford (4.60)Sat 17:00: (3.80) Burnley (3.50) Arsenal (2.10)Sat 17:00: (1.25) Liverpool (6.75) Crystal Palace (13.0)Sat 17:00: (1.18) Man.City (8.00) Southampton (19.0)Sat 17:00: (2.35) Norwich (3.25) Watford (3.40)Sat 19:30: (2.55) Aston Villa (3.25) Everton (3.05)Sun 16:00: (4.60) West Ham (3.70) Man.Utd. (1.85)Sun 16:00: (2.80) Brighton (2.90) Leicester (3.05)Sun 18:30: (5.20) Tottenham (3.60) Chelsea (1.80)