Steve Bruce gave his first interview to NUFC TV after attending his first training session.
This is the tweet of a section of the interview along with a link to the full interview which lasts close to 5 minutes for those who are able to watch it.
? Steve Bruce spoke to NUFC TV after his first training session in Shanghai today – and explained why he couldn't turn down the opportunity to become the Magpies' head coach.
Watch the full interview: https://t.co/g8XyEb78FZ #NUFC #PLAsiaTrophy pic.twitter.com/rpagUxOeyG
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 18, 2019
What we gathered from this interview is that Steve Bruce is very calm and very pragmatic. He certainly sounds like a good man-manager and we can see why those who have played for him like him.
Though he has always accorded himself well in the press despite being in difficult circumstances.
He seems to have allowed the transition from Ben Dawson and Neil Redfearn to be smooth as he said he took a more observant approach to training today.
He also says that he has taken cues from Dawson and Redfearn on the status of the squad at the moment. It looks as if they are in good shape with only Dwight Gayle suffering from a slight calf injury
Bruce speaks of his regret of not taking the job after Bobby Robson and that it has stuck with him all of these years.
Steve also says that he knows he is not Rafa but that it is his job to try and move the club forward. While he mentions the loss of Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez, he does say that they are in the process of resolving those losses.
Here is a link provided by the club to about 40 pictures of today’s training session.
? Steve Bruce took his first training session as Newcastle United's head coach on Thursday – take a look at our gallery of images from Shanghai.
View gallery: https://t.co/NNhV76EvG4 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/17igrbUvFy
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 18, 2019
140 comments so far
BENNY 10
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:14 PM
Comment #1I’m starting to come to terms with the situation and accept it. I can see the problem with it but what can I do. To be honest I’ll see how we get on if we perform well I’ll probably follow the team.
toon kk
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:15 PM
Comment #2Give Bruce a chance, but be prepared to watch budget football, and don’t expect to much.
Simple as.
RobLeenio
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:16 PM
Comment #3BENNY 10
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:12 PM
Comment #15
I’m starting to come to terms with the situation and accept it. I can see the problem with it but what can I do. To be honest I’ll see how we get on if we perform well I’ll probably follow the team.
And so, it begins
We all go gentle into that good night.
Ashley is the death of our club. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
kilcline
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:16 PM
Comment #4Bruce out
Money grabbing to55er
Toonces
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:17 PM
Comment #5Billson, you posted this a couple articles back about Rafa:
“Mind, he wanted his £6M salary increased to closer to £10M, I wouldn’t knock him for asking, but seeing as he was in the top 3 best paid managers in the Prem and his owners target was just to stay in it, I think he was chancing his luck on that one.”
Rafa was in fact around 8th highest paid manager in the Prem last year – his deal was similar to Pellegrini at West Ham and Silva at Everton. Probbaly just about right for where Newcastle “fits” – or should realistically fit.
So maybe he asked for an increase – it was time for a new contract – but I don’t think the salary was the big sticking point – my opinion. It was the lack of a vision for the club that he could support and that the ownership of the club is honesty challenged.
RobLeenio
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:20 PM
Comment #6I’ve said before, I don’t think that the £6M annual salary was all for Rafa. He would have taken the lion’s share (£3M?), but his coaches would have split the rest.
Asking for an increase to £10M was probably less for himself and more for his coaches.
Toonces
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:27 PM
Comment #7Rob – I don’t think manager’s salaries are divided like that with their staff.
Each coach seems to have their own contract.
I could be wrong but I don’t think so in this case.
Bills Son Is Back
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:30 PM
Comment #8On Bruce’s past…
He’s hardly had the best or biggest clubs to manage so it’s not surprising his record isn’t the greatest.
I didn’t want him but I’ll give him a chance.
The key is still getting a couple of forwards in who can get 25-30 goals between them, if that doesn’t happen no matter what Bruce does it’s going to be a slog against relegation.
We also need goals from other areas, Almiron needs to be looking at 8-10 and we need another one or two players who can get on the score sheet more than once in a blue moon.
Mind, if Brice plays 352 and Gayle stays I could see him getting a few if he’s playing off a big man.
The lad can finish but we had him chasing down in our system and as well as he stuck in, i’s not playing to his strengths.
Ron Knee
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:30 PM
Comment #9Taking the job in China meant his staff stayed employed without interruption?
RobLeenio
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:30 PM
Comment #10Yep, I agree Toonces, I think it was just lazy journalism or PR spin, not that Rafa was physically splitting the salary. More that this was the salary package for him and his coaching team and was being negotiated as a package.
It’s just an opinion and I may be WAY off the mark.
jazzyp
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:31 PM
Comment #11https://twitter.com/CraigHope_DM/status/1151849071877005312
RobLeenio
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:33 PM
Comment #12Ron Knee, that’s exactly right. I said previously when Rafa makes his decision to sign with NUFC or not, he will take into consideration the needs and situations of his coaching staff who remain loyal to him.
Rafa may be financially secure for life, they are less likely to be.
I thought it would be a factor in him staying, it seems it was perhaps a factor in him leaving.
Again, just speculation but seems plausible.
jazzyp
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:34 PM
Comment #13According to the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, ‘several more signings‘ could be set to arrive at Newcastle in the ‘coming days’ following Joelinton’s proposed move from Hoffenheim.
He claims that a move was sanctioned for Joelinton as soon as Steve Bruce’s arrival was confirmed yesterday, with him also reporting that the 58-year-old has now agreed to several other deals lined up by the club.
Stardust
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:35 PM
Comment #14I think I upset a few on here with my anti bruce the mackem craic earlier.
But reading the replies along with seeing his photo as a young man outside SJP with his toon scarf and then watching his interview from China Im starting to think maybe Im better giving him some support and rather than wanting him to die, actually just putting him in the category of Clark, Chopra etc and just accepting they made a big mistake but did it for money that they probably couldnt turn down.
Nostradamus " Mike Ashley The Clown "
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:35 PM
Comment #15I don’t like anything going on at the club at the moment, but hearing a Geordie talking about the club gave me a few goosebumps.
Not going soft lad, hopefully people get what I’m saying. Of course some may not but I’m still on the boycotting front of things.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:36 PM
Comment #16Was it not Rafa asked for more money because the contract was the same stipulations just stay up and that’s it? So basically no real ambition but if Rafa was to be paid more he would accept the terms for one more year (probably hoping for a takeover) and Ashley just decided we can get someone else!?
It would just be typical Ashley to lavish Bruce with funds for top class players and all of a sudden invest into the facilities as well now that Rafa is away……
nomis_jade
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:39 PM
Comment #17ToonRich – from a few threads back;
Yep, to a certain extent I agree with you. One argument is to accept that the only way to get rid of Ashley is to basically disown the club, stop giving him the money, support the protests and drive him out. And I totally accept that view and those that follow it. If it means we get relegated to league one and the guy finally leaves then it will have been worth it.
I guess there is a bit of me that feels that this view is a little unfair on the players and coaching staff and that alot of the abuse has been targeted at SB just cos he is not a big name.Some may say they are all part of the problem as well. In my own mind i’m just not sure where to draw the line, and everyone will be different. If ( and I appreciate it is now a totally hypothetical BIG IF), for example a bigger name manager had come in, Vieira or Howe, maybe Arteta, would the reaction be exactly the same, or would some be willing to give them more time? Which, in theory would be supporting Ashley.
I really do get your point as well, I just think I am maybe not as vehemently against Bruce as some. I am scottish as well so maybe it just comes from being an eternal optimist which is constantly praying for fortunes to change!
ShirebrookToon
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:39 PM
Comment #18When’s Elmohamady arriving
Bills Son Is Back
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:41 PM
Comment #19Stardust,
Good man.
Mindshaft
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:42 PM
Comment #20We sure Steve Bruce is a Geordie … Sounds like a drunk southerner in that nufc TV interview
RobLeenio
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:43 PM
Comment #21Stardust, FWIW, I’m not bothered about you calling him a Mackem, all I care about is that we keep our eyes on the prize.
Bruce shouldn’t be here at all, the reason he is here is down to one element only – Ashley and his muppet cronies.
Mackem / Geordie / Pityacker (often both sides in the same family I gather?) it matters not. It’s irrelevant. Only one thing matters, and that’s getting Ashley out of our club.
Eyes on the prize, fella. Don’t let division get in the way.
(And as I write that, Joy Division comes on the radio) 🙂
simon376
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:47 PM
Comment #22Stardust
My cousin Gavin played alongside him for Gillingham in the late 80’s and he said Bruce was a big fan back then and talked about us non stop. Enjoyed playing there as Keith the manager and his son Gavin both Newcastle fans even tho from Kent as the father and grandfather was from South Shields and a big Newcastle fan and past the bug onto them. Tom was just so proud when Gavin played for us and got Gavins last worn game shirt that he framed and refused to ever wash, so even though he managed them, I don’t think will can call Bruce that
Oldgit1
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:50 PM
Comment #23Can we not just direct our anger at Ashley and his business empire, Steve Bruce is our new manager like it or not. Remember it’s Ashley we want rid of.
I will never ever buy anything where Ashley benefits from it. That includes my season ticket. I have made my stand and moved on. Nothing is going to change in my lifetime but hopefully the next generation will benefit from my and many more supporters action.
No one thought, we would end up with Rafa leaving and engaging Bruce, the future is unsure perhaps Bruce will surprise us all, perhaps not, let’s see where we go with this.
The protest against Against Ashley must continue but not at the detriment of the manager or players.
Oh, can we put the hatred of each other on this blog to bed now it’s not necessary and can only help Ashley. I haven’t seen any shills on this site only people who have a different point of view and opinion.
sam down south
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:50 PM
Comment #24Please please don’t start talking about Rafa asking for a large salary. NO ONE KNOWS. The point is Rafa talked about a project to move the club forwards – if anyone hear thinks Rafa wasn’t trying to build something then I seriously doubt your motives for being on this blog.
Rafa was improving Newcastle – play was getting better – Rondon loan was fantastic business (kept us up) – Almiron was a good investment – all of this was making the club more valuable (making Mike richer). But Mike didn’t agree to Rafa’s project – bizarre as the project is to make his club more valuable.
I suspect Rafa asked for +£50million every year for players (+player sales) and Mike didn’t agree. If you look at Mike’s spend over 10 years it is almost zero on players – it certainly was during Rafa’s time. If we spend £40million now remember Mike has already sold Perez for £30million).
simon376
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:51 PM
Comment #25Just got to agree with Robleenio there
Spellcheck
Jul 18, 2019 at 3:55 PM
Comment #26Long time since I stood in the gallowgate end watching the wee Brazilian Mirandinha leading our front line. Hope we can get Joelinton over the line. Fresh start on the pitch. Of course we need more signings in both full back positions, central midfield and another striker. Call me an optimist but I think we’ll be up fir the long season ahead. Unfortunate that Ashley is still pulling the strings but the so called takeover seems to be a terrible joke.
Jib
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:03 PM
Comment #27From the Chronicle
Premier League table according to bets placed
1. Liverpool
2. Man City
3. Tottenham
4. Man United
5. Chelsea
6. Newcastle
7. Arsenal
8. Aston Villa
9. Leicester
10. Wolves
11. Everton
12. Norwich
13. West Ham
14. Sheffield United
15. Southampton
16. Crystal Palace
17. Watford
18. Bournemouth
19. Brighton
20. Burnley
geordietom
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:03 PM
Comment #28mssed the bus …
rob …
first time i’ve seen the video … well said Steve Howie . well said Michael Chopra …
Tatforsale Mikey
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:07 PM
Comment #29Benny 10
Get real man Ashley loves mugs like you
Tatforsale Mikey
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:10 PM
Comment #30Robleenio
Well said comment 3
What chance have we got. The sheep are following
ilovetoon8788
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:14 PM
Comment #31Great to see Ashley finally splashing the cash. I believe Bruce will get us a top 10 finish this season. Joelinton will get us 20 to 30 goals this season.
Excited for the season.
Hopefully we get a full stadium to support the team.
RobLeenio
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:14 PM
Comment #32Tatforsale, I was a bit unsure how Dylan Thomas would go down on here, not often you get to reference Welsh poets on a footy blog.
Then again, someone referenced Hamlet the other day. Only Danish tragedy I ever saw in Newcastle was when Gregg’s ran out of cinnamon swirls.
Oh, and Jon Dahl Tommasson.
Bills Son Is Back
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:16 PM
Comment #33Yeh, Robleenio is right…
Don’t go to matches…
Don’t support Bruce…
Don’t support the team or any new signings…
Let’s just lie down and let Prem teams trample all over us away from home and at the SJP graveyard…
And rejoice at every defeat.
If you don’t…
YOU ARE A SHEEP.
Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
lochinvar
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:20 PM
Comment #34What’s the craic on Shelvey and Darlow’s street fight in Morpeth over Pizza ?
Bet it’s Ashley’s fault for introducing them to pizza.
Mag :P
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:21 PM
Comment #35Bills.
Just because you believe that boycotting doesn’t work doesn’t mean everyone else has to.
Logic suggests it would considering it has worked at almost every other club.
You sound like a spoilt child that can’t accept that other people have different opinions. One that also believes that he ‘wins’ arguments because his opinion is better.
jazzyp
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:29 PM
Comment #36BREAKING: Salomon Rondon has completed a medical with Dalian Yifang in China, according to Sky sources
Thanks Salomon for the season you had with us and wish you all the best
RobLeenio
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:30 PM
Comment #37Bill’s “Let’s just lie down and let Prem teams trample all over us away from home and at the SJP graveyard…”
It matters not, it’s irrelevant, win lose or draw it makes no difference. Relegation, Europe, FA Cup, whatever.
All that matters is removing the fat slug from our club.
Our Toon
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:38 PM
Comment #38Oldgit
Spot on, ashley should be the target not Bruce or at least he shouldn’t be
RobLeenio
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:38 PM
Comment #39Bill’s, do you not get it? Your club is dead, it’s been the subject of prolonged torture by Ashley and finally caved in to its own madness.
All you are doing by continuing to attend is mourning over the club that used to be. I get that, honestly I do, you’re standing by the graveside and paying your respects and I’ll not tell you to do otherwise.
Just so you know that this is all you are doing and there will be no life in that club unless and until Ashley leaves. At that point, we’ll all bring the place back to life with the biggest party any of us has ever seen.
Our Toon
Jul 18, 2019 at 4:42 PM
Comment #40On rafa, gutted he’s gone and not sure why it’s still being discussed tbf. He made his decision, I could understand it more or better if he went to a top club in europe but china…. that contradicts ambition etc.