From a Newcastle United fan to Fulham manager Scott Parker: Thank you!

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room from the start. The majority of you, if not all of you, came to this article with a confused look on your face after reading the selected title. No, this is not click-bait. This article is a real thank you to Fulham’s manager, Scott Parker, but here is the logic behind all this.

With Fulham’s victory over Sheffield United yesterday, the promoted side are within three points of reaching and leapfrogging Newcastle United in the table. Newcastle United have blown a ten-point lead over their relegation rivals, and the crisis will only deepen with an expected loss against Manchester United later today.

The fans have placed Steve Bruce in the hot seat for months now, but Mike Ashley and his executives have stood by their man. According to several reports out of Tyneside over the last couple of weeks, Bruce’s job would only be in jeopardy if the Magpies were to fall into the bottom three.

That could very well happen over the next week if Newcastle United lose today, lose against Wolverhampton on the 27th of this month, and Fulham claim three points against Crystal Palace on February 28th.

Scott Parker’s resurgence with Fulham could lead to Steve Bruce’s departure from Newcastle United.

The pressure is on Newcastle United like never before since earning promotion back to the Premier League after the 2016-17 Championship campaign. A third relegation under the ownership of Mike Ashley?

As neglectful as the business tycoon has been since his takeover, one must believe that he will part ways with Bruce as soon as his men slip to 18th, although that decision should have been made before the team fell into this situation.

With Graeme Jones on hand, he is the only member of the coaching staff the players listen to and give their all for on the pitch. Whether or not he is a long-term solution for the managerial position at Newcastle United remains to be seen, but Parker and his Fulham squad have certainly placed the pressure of the world on Bruce’s shoulders.

I have utilized this platform several times to call for Bruce’s sacking, and everyone knows he should have been relieved of his duties after the embarrassing defeat to Sheffield United. Unless a miracle happens and the Toon manage to impress and take points from their next three opponents, I think we can all thank Parker for Bruce’s departure.

In my eyes, it is a matter of “when” for Steve Bruce, not “if”. Yesterday’s result that favored Fulham makes today’s trip to Old Trafford all the more critical and difficult for Newcastle United. Kick off is scheduled for 19:00.