Former Newcastle United winger Keith Gillespie will feel for Steve Bruce if he is sacked.

Although Gillespie can see why the club's new prospective buyers could see the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as a sign of intent, he feels axing Bruce would be 'harsh'.

“I think it is a little bit harsh on Steve Bruce," the Northern Irishman told BBC 5 Live on Wednesday night. “He wasn't everyone's favourite for the job when he got it, but I think under the circumstances he has done a pretty good job.

“I think he probably deserves that chance of a little bit of backing to see what he can do. But when these sort of people hopefully do the takeover that is a decision they are going to have to take.

“They are maybe going to want to think big, and maybe Pochettino is probably the big one out there who is out of a job.

“I think it would be harsh on Steve Bruce, but these people are going to be investing a lot of money and it is up to them to make these tough decisions."