The lack of job security was highlighted by Newcastle's unpopular decision to replace Chris Hughton with Alan Pardew last week. Though other managers are under greater scrutiny, Mark Hughes is beginning to face difficult questions as Fulham continue to hover precariously above the relegation zone. Sunderland departed Craven Cottage with a point yesterday following a low-quality goalless draw that has left Fulham in urgent need of a win. Bruce has called for Hughes to be shown patience - he was only appointed in August - and insists the current managerial casualty rate is reeking havoc at clubs. "It's the one thing (letting Hughes go) we don't want. He has only been here six months," he said. "If we are not careful and keep sacking people, we are going to deter the next young British coach. "There are not many British managers in the Premier League. If I was starting out now as a player, even if though I love the game like I do, I'd be thinking 'do I really, really want to do that?' "Look at the lower divisions where you are supposed to learn your trade. The average is 15 months. If we don't stop that you are not going to be successful. "You look at the top man and then you look at Arsene Wenger and it does work. "And then you look at the ones that keep on sacking. It ends up with a football club in chaos. "You talk for all the managers out there because nobody wants to see anyone lose their job. "It is a horrible place to be when you lose your job." While instability has become a recurring theme at Newcastle under owner Mike Ashley, Bruce believes Sunderland are thriving amid the intelligent guidance of chairman Niall Quinn. "I'm the longest serving manager in the north east and I have only been in the carnage and chaos of the region for 18 months," he said. "Niall is a football person and I'm lucky. I have got one of the really good jobs. "The people who employ me let me manage. They also put their hands in their pockets and that is the proof in the pudding. "From where we were 18 months ago and where we are now - we are streets ahead, so well done to them. "The people I work for are good people and I am pleased I am doing a decent job for them."
