In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who is a Newcastle United Hall of Famer, has revealed that Alan Shearer advised Steve Bruce to not take the manager's job on multiple occasions.

Bruce was the man Mike Ashley chose to replace Rafa Benitez in 2018 and forked out £4 million in compensation to Sheffield Wednesday to bring his man to Tyneside.

In two seasons, Bruce has amassed a win ratio of 29.1% which is the worst of any team he has managed throughout his career and this has not helped him to win over the Newcastle fans, who overwhelmingly want him to be sacked.

Speaking on what all-time top scorer Shearer advised Bruce not to do and why he feels sorry for the ex-Sunderland manager, Lee told FFC:

"I feel a little bit sorry for Steve Bruce but listen, he did manage Sunderland and play for Manchester United, who stopped us from winning the league.

"Yes, he did 100% speak to Alan and most people advised him not to, and certainly Alan told him 'don't do it', but he wanted to because he's a Geordie."

Despite aiming for a top-half finish to emulate the mighty Rafa Benitez, Bruce has seen Newcastle slide towards the relegation zone and sit just two points above the drop.

Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin are now back in training which will be a welcome boost for Bruce's side.