Nicky Butt Under Fire At Brum

Manager Bruce's team have won just once in the Premiership this season, at West Brom in August, and after nine matches find themselves in the relegation zone. So I think we can safely say we will have Butt back at St James Park next season after his season-long loan. The Brum fans have not taken to him and Sullivan is furious at the matches Butt has missed.

"As far as I'm concerned, anyone who is not worried about our results and position in the table is crazy. The time to start worrying is now, not with five games to go when we have a mathematical mountain to climb. Since the derby defeat to Villa, I've been on the floor feeling utterly depressed and gutted. Six points from nine games and no wins at home is a major, major disappointment, especially after the money we spent strengthening the squad in the summer. Every alarm bell is ringing at the moment.

Bruce, who was Freddy Shepherd's number one choice for Newcastle manager over a year ago, was spared direct criticism from Sullivan, whose most pointed swipe was aimed at the frontmen and on-loan Nicky Butt, the former England midfielder whose red card and reaction against Portsmouth was punished by a four-match ban.

"It's obvious there is something wrong with our three strikers because they are not scoring. Nicky Butt is our top-paid player. But he's been suspended for four games for stupidly getting himself sent off. It's all very worrying."

He adds Butt's move from Newcastle has proved costly in terms of his wages.