Steve Bruce’s son Alex has taken exception to an article written by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope. The article written yesterday after Newcastle’s narrow 0-1 defeat to Arsenal highlighted the substitution gaffe that ultimately led to Newcastle’s undoing.
Alex Bruce has come out today and defended his father which is admirable. However, this is not what is needed for Steve Bruce right now. Steve just needs to accept responsibility for the last 30 minutes of yesterday’s match and move on.
This is the exchange that Alex Bruce has had with Craig Hope.
The buck stops with Steve Bruce after clumsy introduction of Jetro Willems (who did not know where he was playing) disrupts NUFC rhythm before ragged final half hour https://t.co/vs1zHUuJ4q
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) August 11, 2019
Never seen so much nonsense and lazy journalism, nothing in the game at all most people with a brain could see that except one mistake, this is a prime example of exactly what Graeme Souness was on about yesterday https://t.co/rp1QWMp28F
— Alex Bruce (@AlexBruce84) August 12, 2019
You're right Alex, there was nothing in the game. So fine margins make the difference, yes? A player coming on & not knowing where he is playing is a fine margin. Two minutes later & he is caught cold for the goal. For that, the buck stops with the manager.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) August 12, 2019
Willems came on in centre midfield exactly where he played for @eintracht_eng last season for Shelvey who was carrying a knock but I suppose you’d prefer an injured player left on the pitch?? https://t.co/hdbASbAtUu
— Alex Bruce (@AlexBruce84) August 12, 2019
We've been v fair with your dad so far. He's made a good impression. But we have to comment on a game in isolation – and bringing on a player who doesn't know where he's playing does not look good. It affected the team & contributed to losing a game they deserved something from. https://t.co/fF807yk4HT
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) August 12, 2019
As for "creating a shit storm". Please, don't blame the journalist. All fans are talking about is the confusion of the Willems sub, not naming a midfielder on bench & how ragged the final half hour was. To blame a reporter is ludicrous – Steve McClaren tried that & didn't get far https://t.co/fF807yk4HT
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) August 12, 2019
A player making a short pass which was cut out lead to the the result, nothing to do with tactics or personnel….. and Willems knew exactly what his role was going on it’s just you trying to cause negativity. V fair?? It was his 1st game and your already starting https://t.co/8sgAuCUKHl
— Alex Bruce (@AlexBruce84) August 12, 2019
We don’t think Craig Hope said anything wrong and we understand that it must be very hard for Alex Bruce as his father has not been well received by many in Newcastle. Yesterday’s second half did not do anything to help Bruce and that is just the way it is.
However, it was time to move on to Norwich and now Alex Bruce has stirred it up again by confronting a journalist who made a very astute and accurate observation.
Bruce needs to put yesterday in perspective and right the wrongs for Norwich. It should be taken as a learning experience and his focus should now move to getting the squad ready for a pivotal match at Carrow Road.
117 comments so far
Genjikai
Aug 12, 2019 at 10:49 AM
Comment #1We made a stand, we made our point.
I couldn’t be prouder of the ones who stood with us.
I was on ground zero, i was there. What the cameras didnt show was the amount standing behind the cameras in support of our cause.
We have coverage all over. This is just the start of our campaign.
Id like to thank bleach the leach for making the trip with his son.
His son is a liverpool fan but hopefully we done a bit to sway his sons thinking. He saw the passion from us.
We will get our club back, keep the faith.
Yous dont realise till its gone, but wor flags is a big miss. Well they were on the outside doing a display with the magpie group.
To all who go in “support the team”
Were was your voice yesterday?
Why dont yous get behind the team.
Or was there less than the offical 47k attendance?
#BoycottArsenal is the announcement of the magpie groups campaign against ashley.
#BoycottAshley will remain
This is not blowing over.
AshleyOut
Rotonda heights
Aug 12, 2019 at 10:58 AM
Comment #2Bruce
Can you please just confirm you’re a mackem on a particularly poor wind up
If not, then your mind blowing ignorance is truly absolutely staggering to say the least. Pathetically calling an elite, multi trophy winning manager a Spanish waiter, really says how sad you are. Guess you couldn’t call him fat too as your chubby idol isn’t exactly svelte.
Now try and let this register. Please listen carefully as this is for the hard of hearing or ignorant. No other PL club, I repeat NO OTHER PL CLUB would have gone anywhere near Bruce and that’s a fact. Bruce is an appalling manager with an awful CV and we are desperately scraping the barrel because of one man who no self respecting coach or manager would ever come and work for.
I can guarantee now there will be more injuries and basically a return to McCardew. As I understand Ashley didn’t agree to any one single proposal made by Rafa whereas I would have cheerfully paid Rafa another 5M a year and gone with his judgement, rather than the somewhat flakey choice of players and coaches that seem to have arrived since Rafa’s departure.
AS Garth Crooks puts it very well.
” I did tell you Rafael Benitez would leave if the owner could not match his ambitions.
“Now he’s left, the Magpies are up the creek without a paddle.
“Good luck with that.”
hibbit
Aug 12, 2019 at 10:59 AM
Comment #3there’s a photo of bobbybee enjoying the game in the chronicles fans gallery, but i don’t know how to transfer it across ????????
one fine day
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:00 AM
Comment #4https://www.shieldsgazette.com/jp-ct.co.uk/image/onecms:4803e818-807d-446a-bf91-4eac1fa1ec0b:0b2d0dfc-3d89-459a-9699-5a5bb7082ebb/image.jpg?crop=60:45,smart&width=640
posada
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:01 AM
Comment #5RobLeenio
Aug 12, 2019 at 10:39 AM
Comment #18
Posada “No chance so I did not”
Therein lies the problem. You and forty thousand others gave up before it even began.
Have faith, take a leap in the dark, be one of those who acts rather than one who follows.
If you want to stand up and be counted, to let your feelings on Ashley be known, to stand up for your club against the abuse of Ashley over the years, every person counts.
If we all give up before it starts, it can never start.
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3,000 staying away has achieved nothing.
Some folks still on holiday, awful weather, live on Sky.
I went and nothing had changed. The main bulk of supporters going in as normal.
Ron Knee
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Comment #6Thought he was boycotting, hibbit?
hibbit
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Comment #7posada
hope you thought it was worth it ,
posada
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:06 AM
Comment #8Genjikai
You are having a go at your fellow supporters, which is disgraceful in my view.
I’ll ask you a few hard questions.
Who are the Magpie Group and what right do you have to speak for supporters and call for boycotts.
How many members do you have.
You had a public meeting last week at the Irish Centre and only 30 people went.
Nostradamus " Mike Ashley The Clown "
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:07 AM
Comment #9Honestly Alex really, why was Matty Longstaff not named on the bench, the issue here is taking off two central midfielders for a winger and a left back.
I hope Bruce turns to a 4-4-2, Dubs of course, Dumms, Jamaal, Schar and Kraft, midfield Hayden and Longy, with Max on the left and I would actually play Gayle on the right, with Joe and Miggy playing upfront, or have Miggy playing left wing with Max up front.
I would have Matty on the bench, he should have been on the bench yesterday.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:07 AM
Comment #10Munster
The atmosphere in SJP on Sunday was testament to Ashley’s Nufc, no supporters or fans there only customers.
Theres one man and one man only to blame for the crowd and atmosphere at SJP, Mike Ashley.
The non atmosphere is a symptom of the disease not the cause, hang your head in shame for laying any blame at Nufc fans doors.
#BoycottAshley #ashleyout
posada
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:08 AM
Comment #11hibbit
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Comment #7
posada
hope you thought it was worth it ,
******************************************
Was it ever worth it. Was it worth it when we were relegated.
You’ve decided not to go.
You now expect all to do the same.
Worse, you are having a go at fellow supporters for not doing the same.
Just a fan
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:08 AM
Comment #12One day Ashley will leave with or without a boycott.
Some of the boycotters just trash other fans off because they like to go to the match.that is the level of person some of them are.
If you wish to boycott go ahead get your picture in the papers.be leaders of men but let others like me get on with my pathetic little life.
RobLeenio
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:10 AM
Comment #13Posada, no desire to cause a ruck with you so please take this on the spirit it’s intended, but I reiterate my point.
It takes mass action to make something happen. That takes a little faith that all will act the same way.
All forty thousand went in thinking the same thing. If I go it will make no difference.
Imagine if all forty thousand thought the opposite. By not going, I’m making a stand.
Every individual is responsible for their own actions, but collectively those individuals make the difference.
It has to start somewhere
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:14 AM
Comment #14Munster
You’re quite keen to tell fans to attend the match and support the team.
Why dont you take one of the tickets left and start supporting the club as you tell others they should.
Practice what you preach.
I know people who travel from Ireland Norway and Holland for every home match. One gave his ST and travelled over just to boycott, he practices what he preaches
#BoycottAshley #ashleyout
one fine day
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:14 AM
Comment #15Posada
Not sure in that first post where gengikai has a go at his fellow supporters ?
He simply states how proud he was of those who sacrificed going to the game and helped with a protest to send a message to Ashley .
The only thing he asks of those who decised they couldn’t give up 90 mins is where was their voice ? You ,as you say we’re there ,so you have to admit that is fair comment ?
Genjikai
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:17 AM
Comment #16Posada
If your going to go into SJP surely you are going to back the team? Being the 12th man means making your voice heard, encouragement?
Where was that yesterday?
Ashley is sucking that passion from the fans.
Surely you dont need a flag display to get yous encouraging the toon? They are gone because they have had enough of ashley and have joined the cause.
The atmosphere was poor because the match going fans made it poor end of.
Wake up this is ashleys version of nufc that will be around for another 20 or 30 years.
posada
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:20 AM
Comment #17Group actions are very difficult to get going.
Who does speak for supporters.
Who decides on strategy etc.
The NUST at least has 9,000 members.
It has a democratic set up.
If you want to be elected you can stand for election.
So, who are the Magpie Group.
I appreciate that the NUST has become part of that, but they did not call for a boycott.
Ashley Out, Empty for Ashley, If Rafa Goes We Go.
They have more names than members.
Genjikai
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:20 AM
Comment #18Posada
The magpie group are a growing group of fans who have the same view that ashley is the only problem at our club.
They are backed by other fan groups, and wor flags.
Alot of these groups are intertwined.
Come along and find out who we are.
Message them get in contact if you want to know more.
ronaldo aarons
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:22 AM
Comment #19On the game yesterday, what was interesting was we conceded when we were enjoying our best spell of possession. Apparently from the start of second half until we conceded, we had over 50%, close to 69% possession. I am not a big fan of possession stats but many posters bring this up as to if we played well or not or if we defended or attacked.
I know it’s a mistake but anyone who has followed my comments past few years on team play knows I’ve often said that we are at our weakest when we have more of the ball. 2 things happen, we struggle to break down teams and also make mistakes giving the balk away cheaply. So it’s no coincidence we conceded when we were having more of the ball.
Also second half, really noticed Perez missing too as had no one linking midfield and attack transition or winning the ball in opposition half. Even first half too as joelinton and almiron were isolated at times.
On Joelinton, anyone who saw him in Germany will agree that he must have been told to stay up front and try to play as a focal point
ronaldo aarons
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:24 AM
Comment #20Pressed submit too early accidentally lol.
Joelinton likes to drop deep and get ball to feet to beat a player and pass or create for others. He likes to put a lot of energy in but didn’t see much of that. 3/4 times though he ran and recovered/intercepted the ball which was good.
But to me it seemed like he’s been told to stay within the width of the 18 yard box. This limits him considerably.
ronaldo aarons
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:25 AM
Comment #21Close to 60%. Not 69% lol
posada
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:26 AM
Comment #22one fine day
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:14 AM
Comment #15
Posada
Not sure in that first post where gengikai has a go at his fellow supporters ?
He simply states how proud he was of those who sacrificed going to the game and helped with a protest to send a message to Ashley .
The only thing he asks of those who decised they couldn’t give up 90 mins is where was their voice ? You ,as you say we’re there ,so you have to admit that is fair comment ?
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That’s bollocks. He’s having a go at the 40 odd thousand that went.
Saying they did not get behind the team.
Well, he’s against the majority who still went.
Trent1211
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:28 AM
Comment #232 things: Those crowing about how small the boycott was who actually went to the match are seemingly too thick to put 2&2 together. You have endorsed Ashley and Charnley with a big thumbs up by taking your seat. Well done. A club that was a contender and regularly in Europe stolen from within and turned into worse than an also ran: a club hanging on by its fingertips to stay in the top flight despute huge income streams and a huge fan base. You’re npt loyal or a great supporter you’re a moron asking for more of the same please.
Second is Bruce has immediately demonstrated a lack of competence. In bench selection and then subs. For all the players being delighted to be out of Rafa’s tight grip they are a fickle bunch and will see through somebody not up to it in no time. Not doing tactics is just about the dumbest thing a manager could say and it doesn’t cut it in the modern game. If Norwich turn us over the wheels are going to fall off very quickly.
Second thing
Genjikai
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:28 AM
Comment #24Posada
I asked where your voice was?
Where was your voice? Outsung by arsenal faithful.
Trent1211
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:29 AM
Comment #25*typos
posada
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:30 AM
Comment #26Genjikai
You didnt answer the question.
How many members do you have.
How are you structured.
What gives you any right to speak for supporters.
You’ve got more names than members.
You don’t communicate your objectives to the wider supporters.
You can very easily be perceived as a minority group of ranters and ravers.
one fine day
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:30 AM
Comment #27Hibbit
https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article16738882.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/0_IBP_NEC_110819football_30JPG.jpg
Trent1211
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:30 AM
Comment #28Posada Mike Ashley is pissing on you and you’re saying “More please” Where is the pride? Where is the anger?
Ron Knee
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:34 AM
Comment #29Is that Bobby?
posada
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:35 AM
Comment #30Genjikai
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:28 AM
Comment #24
Posada
I asked where your voice was?
Where was your voice? Outsung by arsenal faithful.
*******************************************************
That’s definately having a go at fellow supporters.
What are you saying, that the 3,000 that stayed away are the real supporters of NUFC.
I’ll tell you something.
The 40-44,000 who were there are NUFC.
Not you and your ranters and ravers.
If you don’t like that’s it’s tough.
one fine day
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:36 AM
Comment #31Posada
It’s not bollocks
I have seen the manifesto and the plans for yesterday from Tmg
They were stating categorically that it was not about having ago at those fans going to the game .
The protest was aimed at Ashley and what he is doing to your club .
The Mantra we have heard for years from those who don’t want to boycott is the support the team not the regime…so he is not the only one asking where was this support yesterday ?
Again it’s fair comment and not as you say ..b@llocks
Genjikai
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:36 AM
Comment #32Posada
Are you local?
Shadow_Shearer
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:36 AM
Comment #33When I seen the bench yesterday, I thought we have every position covered except for central midfield. And I noticed two central defenders. Clarke and Fernandez. I thought where is Ki or Matty.
I hope Bruce will learn from this. Because if you get two players from the same position getting injuried in a game, everybody can see this is very unlucky. He needs to pick this section better next time.
hibbit
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:37 AM
Comment #34Comment #11
hibbit
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Comment #7
posada
hope you thought it was worth it ,
******************************************
Was it ever worth it. Was it worth it when we were relegated.
You’ve decided not to go.
You now expect all to do the same.
Worse, you are having a go at fellow supporters for not doing the same.
it took a very long time and i hated fans telling me what to do ,i’m not having a go at fans in general as i believe its there right to choose, but I i’m having a go at you i took you a face value when you said you boycott the game as far as know
no one twisted your arm ,
as for my my last comment i really meant it i hope you enjoyed the game, because i hated not going,
one fine day
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:37 AM
Comment #35Hibbit
That the pic you were referring too?
posada
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:41 AM
Comment #36Trent1211
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:30 AM
Comment #28
Posada Mike Ashley is pissing on you and you’re saying “More please” Where is the pride? Where is the anger?
*********************************
You’ll get lots of hearts for that.
Stand up and shout Ashley is an Evil B****d and you always will.
Remember though there are 2 worlds.
The social media world of ranters and ravers and the real world where 90% of supporters still went.
Careful, many have got carried away. One out all out brothers and sisters. Then you turn round and no one is actually following you.
Certainly not the majority.
one fine day
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:41 AM
Comment #37Posada
Just for balance
There is an excellent podcast on the guardian site this week if I can link it
It’s about 20 minutes ,may explain a bit more and help fill in the blanks as to what the magpie group are all about .
Wallace Wilson speaks very well ,a guy who had his season ticket since the 60 ‘s but gave it up .
You will not find a more passionate supporter of nufc ,just not of the Ashley version .
Ron Knee
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:41 AM
Comment #38The suspense is killing, ofd!
posada
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:47 AM
Comment #39One Fine Day.
You’ve seen the manifesto have you. Well, good but how come we haven’t all seen it.
They have more names than members.
Who decides their strategy and manifesto.
Self appointed members of some sort of Secret Club ?
one fine day
Aug 12, 2019 at 11:48 AM
Comment #40Ron knee
Waiting for hibbit
No idea what he looks like only that he goes to the game and gets to his seat on crutches after his back issues .
Was the only image in the fans gallery that kind of fitted