Darren Bent has says he would resign 'for health reasons' if he were in Steve Bruce's position at Newcastle. 

According to a poll conducted by the Shields Gazette at the beginning of March, a whopping 97.5% of fans 'strongly disagree' with the notion that Bruce is the right man to lead Newcastle forward - and that was before they went down 3-0 at Brighton, leaving the mood at the club the 'lowest it's been', according to Ryan Fraser (via ESPN).

There are, of course, no fans in attendance at St James' Park these days to offer a hostile reception, and Bruce said back in October that he doesn't read online criticism.

Nevertheless, Bent - capped 12 times by England - reckons the atmosphere around the club will still be taking its toll.

"For Steve himself, what he's had to endure in terms of the people hammering him from outside, if it was me, I'd have to resign just for health reasons," he said on talkSPORT on Tuesday morning.

"The fact he's taken so much stick - it's difficult. For me, he's done an okay job."

Transfer Tavern verdict

The pain Newcastle fans feel at their club's fortunes is entirely understandable, but while there are long-term fundamental issues clearly at play, Bruce is still partially culpable for their slide toward potential relegation. Based on their lifeless display in their six-pointer against Brighton, he has lost the dressing room.

What's important, however - and the vast majority of Newcastle fans will likely recognise this - is that the criticism stays focused on Bruce's sporting decisions, and does not become unduly personal.

In other news, journalists explain why Bruce retains the backing of Mike Ashley.