'I can't believe what I'm seeing': Paul Merson shocked by what Newcastle owners have done

Newcastle United have been criticised by Paul Merson for parting company with Steve Bruce ahead of some “tough Premier League games”.

The 60-year-old left St James’ Park by mutual consent last week after 15 months in charge of the Magpies.

Bruce achieved Premier League finishes of 13th and 12th in his two full seasons in charge.

He took charge of 97 Newcastle games, winning 28 of those for a 28.87 percent win ratio.

Given the Magpies are under new ownership, there was always the likelihood that they’d look to make their own appointments.

Newcastle remain deep in relegation trouble, sitting 19th in the table without a league win to their name this season.

In addition, the new Magpies owners didn’t have a replacement lined up, and are still looking to bring in a new manager.

“Newcastle United are an absolute disaster at the moment”

Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s meeting with Chelsea, Merson feels the new St James’ Park hierarchy hasn’t made a good decision.

“I worry for Newcastle,” he wrote on Sportskeeda.

“Nothing’s changed for them – they don’t have a manager, they’re in a relegation battle, and I don’t know what’s going on.

“They got absolutely ripped by Crystal Palace last week and they were lucky that Benteke didn’t have his shooting boots on.

It’s all right to come in with all this money, but you need to have a plan.

“They’ve sacked Steve Bruce and they’re going into tough Premier League games without a manager. I can’t believe what I’m seeing at the moment.

“Chelsea have rested most of their players this week.

“They made loads of changes in the Carabao Cup, and I don’t think they can be stopped this weekend.

“Newcastle United are an absolute disaster at the moment, and I don’t see anything but a Chelsea win here.”