Steve Bruce is more likely to be forced out of Newcastle United by the fans than owner Mike Ashley, according to Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy.
Why is there speculation surrounding Bruce's future?
Newcastle are still seeking their first win of the campaign and have already gone out of the Carabao Cup.
The Toon Army have made their feelings towards Bruce clear for a prolonged period of time and, following the Magpies' 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Watford at the weekend, supporters called for the manager to go.
Earlier this month, Bruce admitted his family think he “is a bit sick” for refusing to walk away from the job despite widespread criticism.
Goal difference is all that separates Newcastle from the relegation zone, having mustered three draws and as many defeats from the first six Premier League matches of the season.
Last week, former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was installed as the bookmakers' new favourite to replace Bruce in the Magpies' dugout should the club hierarchy choose to make a change.
It comes after Howe did not clinch the Celtic managerial job during the summer despite initially being the clear frontrunner.
What has Liam Kennedy said about Bruce?
Bruce was handed the Newcastle job in July 2019, with the club making the appointment after seeing Rafa Benitez opt against signing a new deal as the club "did not share his vision".
The 60-year-old has gone on to secure 29 wins from 95 matches in charge.
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Kennedy believes Bruce could eventually be forced out by the club's supporters.
The journalist told GMS: "I think Steve Bruce will walk before he is pushed but, again, that still seems such a distant one to me.
"But I think the crowd could potentially push Bruce out. I think they would do that before Mike Ashley pulled the plug on Steve."
Was Bruce backed in the transfer market?
An often telling sign as to whether a manager has the full backing of the board is by looking at if he was given money to spend in the transfer window.
Bruce was only able to sign Joe Willock for in excess of £20million from Arsenal.
As a result, just five Premier League clubs spent less than Newcastle before the transfer window slammed shut last month.
Newcastle fans also reacted angrily to news of Manchester United central defender Axel Tuanzebe joining Aston Villa on a season-long loan deal when the Magpies had originally appeared to be in pole position.