Steve Bruce has always maintained that taking the Newcastle head coach position under the current circumstances was going to be difficult.
From the start, he asked to be judged by results while also inferring that it could take some time for him to make his imprint on this squad.
While it is fair to eventually judge Steve on his performance, the skepticism surrounding his appointment was certainly justified.
However, Bruce will not convince any of his doubters through mere words. It will take wins and performances to turn most of the skeptics among us into believers.
Bruce, to his credit, seems to understand this. There have been a few moments where Steve Bruce has not helped himself in his press conferences. However, for the most part, he has shown awareness that it is up to him to prove he is up for this job.
So far, he has been able to get this team off to a decent start despite a challenging set of early fixtures. The Chronicle have published some of his comments about the start to the season:
“Make no mistake, I knew, early on, it was going to be difficult. I always knew that the start we had is equally more difficult.
“To calm the storm that everybody was riding at the time, getting a few results was the only way really.
“When I looked at the first five games, we’ve got three of the top six. We have got most of the top six in the first nine, so I knew it was going to be difficult.
“Can we go and get a couple more results? That’s got to be the aim and the only thing I’m really focused on and concentrating on because that’s the only thing I can affect.
“The only thing I can affect is on the training ground and making sure that they’re ready and capable and, of course, the result at Tottenham gave everyone a lift.”
Steve was certainly riding a storm after the Norwich display, and we were very concerned after that performance. We hadn’t seen an exhibition that hapless since the Steve McClaren days.
However, to his credit, Steve was able to get the lads focused for Tottenham and essentially pulled a u-turn with that result. Since then, there have been two admirable performances in the home matches against Leicester City and Watford.
Now Steve must get this squad ready for another difficult run of four games before the next international break comes in early October.
While this Saturday’s match at Liverpool is likely not to yield anything positive results-wise – though we thought the same about Spurs; the next three fixtures all represent decent opportunities to get some points on the board.
The match at St James Park against Brighton is a no-brainer, and anything other than three points will see the heat turned back up on Bruce. The following two matches – away to Leicester and at home against Manchester United – could go either way if the lads play up to their potential.
That is where Steve Bruce’s focus must be over the next few weeks. He needs to get points on the board to keep showing that the club is progressing.
Bruce spoke some more on getting results while making an odd admission about some of the criticism that has come his way:
“We had a good week. We played very well against Leicester – lost on penalties – and did OK against Watford. It’s a big occasion at the weekend coming up, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.
“I only want what’s best for the club. I want to try and take the club forward, and the sickness in me has enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed the stick, and I’ve enjoyed the challenge.
“The more it piles on, the more I seem to enjoy. I hope it wanes a little bit but, in time, a few results will help.”
We are not sure that Steve Bruce should have admitted enjoying any of the stick he has been getting. We hope he can get some results before the next international break, or else he will find himself getting a lot more of the stick he claims to be enjoying.
70 comments so far
IrishRob
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:26 AM
Comment #1Bus moved on already.
IrishRob
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:29 AM
Comment #2I genuinely think we are going to get a result against liverpool at the weekend, I have that feeling again, and we’re due a result against them.
RobLeenio
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:30 AM
Comment #3Brucey seems to be missing the point – he’s not the target of the fans’ ire, he’s merely a symptom of the malaise which infests the club.
We all know who the true culprit is, and he doesn’t have a Geordie accent.
RobLeenio
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:33 AM
Comment #4IrishRob, it’s the hope that kills you.
One thing is guaranteed, whether we win, lose or draw, the away supporters will do us proud. If we happen to be winning or drawing with five minutes to go, I reckon you’ll hear the noise over the Irish Sea.
Mindshaft
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:39 AM
Comment #5Wish Bruce would stop going on about tough start, we also had Norwich and Watford who are both relegation candidates and I would have expected 6 points from these games, okay we got 4 albeit not as expected but the 5 points dropped against two weak teams will for sure come back to haunt us.
When you’re in a relegation battle you need to take points off teams around you as it has a double effect
RobLeenio
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:40 AM
Comment #6I would love Steve Bruce to come out with a statement which says something like “I don’t think it’s me the fans are targeting, they seem to have an issue with the management of the club itself, rather than the footballing side. They think there has been a lack of investment over the years.”
It would show a bit of empathy with our cause, take the focus off him and the team and put it back on Ashley and Charnley and give the National Media the truth of the matter or at least somewhere to start, a kernel of a story which they can build on.
It also doesn’t put his job at risk as it’s just a plain and simple statement of fact in terms of how the politics of the club sit right now.
Mindshaft
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:40 AM
Comment #7And does anyone really care if Bruce is a Geordie or not FFS
geordie157
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:43 AM
Comment #8Just caught up on lots of the posts.
I think keeping Darlow was important as it gives us decent back up for Dubravka whilst letting woodman get first team football. I really hope we can get woodman signed up long term, if Swansea come up he found return there and then potentially be our no.1 for the season after that.
On Longstaff, I’m sure he’ll play for England. It’ll take him possibly half this season to get back into form again. I do think Rice is overrated but he’s clearly better than Dier. My argument is that Hayden for me is better than Rice or at worst should be in the squad.
Good news on Ritchie, sounds like patience is needed with Saint-Maximin but Atsu has a chance now and has been good so far this season.
It’s a shame we couldn’t have cashed in on Gayle last Jan or last summer, this seems to be an injury that might reduce his value significantly but fingers crossed he recovers. In a way it means more chances for Muto who I’d prefer to see in the squad than Gayle.
Enjoyed the England game, thought Kosovo played good football but both sides looked poor defensively. No reason Lascelles can’t get ahead of Keane, him or stones and Maguire seem like better options.
And lastly a point vs Liverpool would be great
Mindshaft
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:52 AM
Comment #9Geordie, agree that Hayden is way better than Rice – Southgate for some reason is ignoring him
DubaiMicky
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:52 AM
Comment #10Update from The Magpie Group – Wednesday 10 September 2019:
‘Following Mike Ashley’s kind offer to fund and allow fans to appoint an accountant to investigate the NUFC/MASH accounts, a registered letter was sent to him on 12/08/19.
To date no acknowledgement has been received.
On the 10/9/19, eve of the Sports Direct AGM, members of TMG [The Magpie Group] successfully and peacefully hand delivered a copy of this letter to the home of Mr Lee Charnley in the hope this offer would finally be honoured.
The Magpie Group’
.
.
.
Well at least they know where he lives LOL
Jail for Ashley
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:53 AM
Comment #11IrishRob,
Don’t believe the hype, just because Munster keeps saying I make things up it doesn’t mean it’s true. Show me an example of where I’ve put words in to his mouth. He keeps saying that I said he preferred Pearson over Rafa, I’ve just pointed out that he wanted Pearson here and I’ve never once claimed that he wanted Martin O Neill here. Just because he is Jib’s lap dog and in turn Jib backs him up, you should make your own mind up.
Rotonda heights
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:53 AM
Comment #12mindshaft
exactly 1 point only out of 6 from supposedly easier teams.
Bruce ” “I only want what’s best for the club.”
I suggest then not taking the job when offered to a 3rd rate journeyman out of his depth. Mind you, to be fair if not him, we’d only have got another of his ilk for sports direct fc.
toon22
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:56 AM
Comment #13Jail
I’d agree
Munsters a fruitcake usually
geordietom
Sep 11, 2019 at 10:59 AM
Comment #14NEWS
The Magpie Group visit home of Lee Charnley after Mike Ashley fails to honour promise
3 MINS AGO NO COMMENTSSHARE
It has been revealed that members of The Magpie Group have visited the home of Lee Charnley.
This follows a chain of events starting on 26 July 2019.
That was when Mike Ashley had his PR statement published by The Mail and within it he declared:
“You can put any accountant on our books and it’s whiter than white.
“I’ll pay and you can have an independent auditor come in and review us.”
Continuing their campaign against the NUFC owner, on 12 August 2019 (see below) The Magpie Group wrote to Mike Ashley, saying they accepted his kind offer to pay for an independent auditor.
However, displaying his usual charm, Mike Ashley hasn’t even given the fan group the courtesy of a reply, never mind honour his promise.
So last night (Tuesday 10 September), over four weeks after sending the original letter, members of The Magpie Group visited the house of lee Charnley – Ashley’s Managing (and only) Director, to personally deliver a copy of that letter, in the hope that Mike Ashley’s offer may be finally honoured.
Update from The Magpie Group – Wednesday 10 September 2019:
‘Following Mike Ashley’s kind offer to fund and allow fans to appoint an accountant to investigate the NUFC/MASH accounts, a registered letter was sent to him on 12/08/19.
To date no acknowledgement has been received.
On the 10/9/19, eve of the Sports Direct AGM, members of TMG [The Magpie Group] successfully and peacefully hand delivered a copy of this letter to the home of Mr Lee Charnley in the hope this offer would finally be honoured.
The Mag – 13 August 2019:
Back in July 2019, Mike Ashley had a PR statement published via Martin Samuel and The Mail.
One of the trusted journalists he has worked with in the past to push out Newcastle United propaganda.
Contained within that PR statement, Mike Ashley stated: ‘You can put any accountant on our books and it’s whiter than white. I’ll pay and you can have an independent auditor come in and review us.’
The Magpie Group have now taken up that generous offer from the NUFC owner, writing to him yesterday (12 August 2019):
FROM:
TO:
Mr M J W Ashley
Newcastle United FC
St James’ Park
Strawberry Place
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4ST
12 August 2019
Dear Mr Ashley,
As you will be aware, The Magpie Group represents a broad range of Newcastle United supporters’ groups campaigning for a change of regime at the club.
We noted with interest the offer made in your interview with Martin Samuel of the Daily Mail on 8 July 2019 to pay for an independent auditor to review your books, viz, “You can put any accountant on our books and it’s whiter than white. I’ll pay and you can have an independent auditor come in and review us.”
As you may be aware, one of our banners says ‘19th Richest Club In The World. Where’s The Money Gone?’ so we would be extremely interested in finding out the answer to that question.
Please let us know the arrangements for taking advantage of your kind offer at your earliest convenience.
Yours sincerely
Wallace Wilson
Chairman, The Magpie Group
The Magpie Group’
Bleatin' n Bruced
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:01 AM
Comment #15Brucicles not wrong it’s bound to be a tough start for a journeyman champo slugger trying to glue together a squad cobbled together by Mikes procurement team.
On the goalie situation, no surprises they are keeping two known quantities in darlow and Elliot until summer when they know their contracts are up and the next round of goalkeeper shenanigans begin. Any sale or injury of first choice Dubs will see either or both of these backups shoved forward to see out the relegation run in.
Bleatin' n Bruced
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:02 AM
Comment #16The squad Bruce has now is like the set menu from the Indian takeaway. Relatively cheaper than the sum of its parts but a few things in there you could really do without.
Nufc-83
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:04 AM
Comment #17Jail I would put Carver and kinnear in the full on circus camp along with Pardew. Bruce well may end up being the lion tamer as well but I’m willing to hold off on that until at least half a season.
IrishRob
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:04 AM
Comment #18Jail….. I dont listen to what others say, Its something I noted myself. Munster can be very clear and obvious what he says sometimes and you will flat out try make out he means something else, I see you doing it all the time.
He also says some pretty retarded stuff at times, but there is no denying you also twist a lot of things he says into a negative connotation.
So to make out it’s just him is just flat out wrong. I enjoy it sometimes it’s funny, but both of ye are at it, you most definitely are not the innocent one here.
That’s why I think ye both probably fancy each other.
Bleatin' n Bruced
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:07 AM
Comment #19Trouble is Mikey can’t get an independent auditor for love nor money atm 🙂
Poor SD is veering toward a state appointed audit ha ha another grand first for the pioneers of high street jiggery-pokery and general naughtiness. 😀
Quote from Pirc –
“…..absolutely unprecedented…… This is Sports Direct all over. It has set a number of precedents, unfortunately they are all bad ones”
Bleatin' n Bruced
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:09 AM
Comment #20Irishrob try your hand at getting your compatriot to go a week without name dropping other posters in derogatory fashion or mentioning Benitez at every opportunity.
Let me know how you get on. 😉
IrishRob
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:10 AM
Comment #21That’s brilliant Tom, fair play to the Magpie Group.
Bleatin' n Bruced
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:13 AM
Comment #22Thing is with JFK2 and Carver what Ashley did was to test the danger of the Mag-infested waters only to find it teeming with tadpoles.
That’s why he could appoint a laughably inadequate Geordie apologist ex-mackem manager who flipped us years ago with total impunity.
Look at how many are rooting for this charade. It must give Mike comic relief from all his audit woes, laughing at the gullible Geordies “giving him a chance” knowing fine well there’s no chance to be had here.
IrishRob
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:14 AM
Comment #23Bleatin….. do you only selectively read what I say or what?? Becsuse I clearly said both are at it.
Munster isn’t innocent, but jail is making out its all Munster when Jail literally tries to twist everything Munster says on here. I’m just saying it as I see it, simple as.
Nufc-83
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:15 AM
Comment #24Bruce has already done something Pardew would never do in admitting he was wrong pretty much with his formation. Bruce reverted to 352 but as soon as he seen it was not working he changed back to the 451/3421 Rafa played. Pardew’s arrogance would have had us in 352 for months in those circumstances as he did with the 451 formation he continued to play when it wasn’t working.
toon22
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:18 AM
Comment #25Let’s guess who the government will use to audit SD ?
The HMRC. 😉
toon22
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:19 AM
Comment #26Nufc83
Stats wise
Pardue is far, far better than the traitor
Hard to believe but true
Jail for Ashley
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:24 AM
Comment #27IrishRob,
Moansters hatred of our former manager is there for all to see, I don’t need to twist anything he says.
geordietom
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:25 AM
Comment #28TOON22…
you would love that wouldn’t you make your day …
geordietom
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:27 AM
Comment #29IRISHROB …
yeah mate i thought it was really good as well, TMG going to charnley’s house nice and peaceful as well . yep well done to TMG …
one fine day
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:34 AM
Comment #30Sorry but I see this as ironic that those who are now reposting /championing updates from TMG are amongst those who constantly join those trying to undermine what they stand for regarding protests ..and on a blog that also in no way would support them .
At least posada and bills so are up front on their position .
Oh and massive thanks to pat @TMG ..great effort again
geordietom
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:38 AM
Comment #31OFD…
i for one have never been against TMG never slagged them off , so how is it ironic ?…
Bleatin' n Bruced
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:40 AM
Comment #32Irishrob you are assuming that Munsters complaints about his words being twisted are legitimate. They aren’t.
lochinvar
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:57 AM
Comment #33Have any of the London Mags fraternity bought a single share in SD so they could attend today’s AGM of SD as shareholders ? Might sound crazy but Trojan Horse tactics are sometimes necessary.
Think I read that the media are banned so some have bought shares to gain entry.
Maybe Ashley will be voted out – possible but unlikely.
geordietom
Sep 11, 2019 at 11:58 AM
Comment #34Police probing Aleksandar Mitrovic’s transfer make two arrests
Police investigating suspected fraud in football have raided properties in three countries, according to officials.
The probe, which ordered a search of the headquarters of the Belgian FA earlier this year, is examining a number of transfers, and Aleksandar Mitrovic’s £13million move to Newcastle United is reported to be part of the investigation. There have been raids in Belgium, Monaco and London.
Police and tax officials, under the direction of a Belgian anti-corruption judge, detained an agent in Monaco and his assistant in Liege. News agency AFP report that a judicial source has confirmed to them that Mitrovic’s transfer is part of the investigation.
“The facts involve notably money-laundering operations and private corruption in the context of football player transfers,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.
Mitrovic, signed from Anderlecht by Newcastle, was sold to Fulham last summer after a successful half-season loan at Craven Cottage
from the shields gazette…
one fine day
Sep 11, 2019 at 12:01 PM
Comment #35Geordietom
Think of the exchanges you have had here with the likes of gengikai and toon 22.
You showed plenty of glee in rubbing in the fact you were going to the cup game and taking advantage of Ashley’s cheap tickets no ?
Totally your choice and. I don’t have issues if you want to give him your hard earned but think of what TMG are standing up for .
one fine day
Sep 11, 2019 at 12:04 PM
Comment #36Lochivor
yes
AncientC
Sep 11, 2019 at 12:09 PM
Comment #37I have enjoyed reading ‘nufc-83’ recently. The ‘quant’ blundering along like Jamie Dimon with quotes such as “Ashley lent the club”?
Hopefully NY Mag will be appear soon with some of his pseudo/fringe intelligent math, followed by a passive smiley.
I thought Robleenio was toe-curling but NY Mag is in a league of his own.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Sep 11, 2019 at 12:11 PM
Comment #38The two members of TMG who delivered the letter are middle aged ladies, two lovely lasses.
TMG thought it was best as there could be no accusations of abuse or aggression.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Sep 11, 2019 at 12:14 PM
Comment #39Irishrob
Anyone who calls people “thick, stupid, morons” etc in every post is deserving of any stick they get.
Munster is a wum, end of, one day hes on holiday hasn’t seen the match two days later he watched it..
He couldn’t lie straight in bed.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Sep 11, 2019 at 12:16 PM
Comment #40Loch
Yes, some have shares. Some are there by proxy of shareholders.
There’ll be Nufc fans in the agm