Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce admits that a media ban is in place - on himself!

The veteran manager has endured a difficult start to life in the Magpies hotseat.

While they are still battling relegation, Newcastle have three more points than they did at this stage last season under Rafa Benitez.

Their most recent loss to Aston Villa on Monday night was a setback in their fight to stay up.

Speaking to Sky Sports about the critics he said: "I don't read social media at all, as that would be impossible for me.

"I try to even stay away from newspapers as well as it could influence you - that can not be a good thing.

"The biggest thing for all of us is our family.

"They're the most important people, and they feel it when results aren't going well.

"It influences them too, and they don't like their father, or brother or husband being ridiculed.

"My son can erupt at times and even he has to come off social media as he can have a crack back.

"It can affect them too so you really need decent stability around you, but it can sometimes be difficult."