Toon Draw Against Gateshead... And Eddie Draws A Blank On Bruno

In their second pre-season friendly The Toon played a 1-1 draw with The Heed where young Steur and Lewis Hall where the two standout performers.

Eddie's Bruno comments the real standout

The big questions from the media after the game where directed on Bruno's future... is he going to Arsenal, or staying at SJP.

Eddie drew a blank by answering that he didn't know, that the decision rested with CEO David Hopkinson and Ross Wilson.

I read something definite in that answer...

And that is - a decision hasn't been made that Bruno is definitely staying.

If that were the case there is no doubt in my mind that would have been the gist of Eddie's reply.

That essentially confirms what me and many fans have already accepted, and that is as soon as Arsenal make an acceptable offer Bruno will join the big NUFC player exodus.

£75M plus add ons is my bet

Yesterday afternoon on TalkSport Arsenal fans were asked to call in and voice their opinions on whether Bruno would be a good signing, his fee, and whether he would be a starter.

In the short time I listened the majority of fans where definitely in favour with one even saying that whatever fee it took to get Bruno it should be paid.

One fan said that at £80M Bruno would be a bargain compared to the £116M and £117M paid for Rogers and Anderson who he didn't think would have anywhere near the impact on Arsenal's first 11 and performances. And, I'd agree totally.

As we know, Bruno brings more than just his skill to the party; he also brings an enthusiasm, all out action, and a driving force that spreads through to his teammates and motivates them to step up their game.

No cause is ever deemed lost under Bruno, and that is why he will be such a massive loss to Newcastle United and a massive plus for Arsenal if the seeming;y inevitable happens.

My feeling is that the deal will be struck before the end of next week and, so that both parties can save face, a fee of £75M plus £5M of easily achievable add on's will be the outcome to finalise the £80M asking fee.

Even though it seems inevitable, it will be a sad and also a defining day for the club and fans if Bruno leaves.

When a player like Bruno, who has worn his heart and soul on his shirt and who has become a true adopted Geordie, decides his future now lies elsewhere, it hammers home that Newcastle are also rans in status to the big 6 clubs.

Last summer's signing reality, as we all now know, was a watershed.

The club, squad and fans wanted, and expected, to sign players who would take us to the next level, a level that would make us genuine top four challengers and even title challengers.

We did go a next level, not one above, but one below.

Instead of adding those next level players to the ones we had, if Bruno goes, we will have lost all four of our elite players; Isak, Gordon, Tonali and Bruno.

A quick decision out and in is the priority

The Bruno saga is dragging on like a slow teeth pull.

It's painful, and I for one just want it over quickly.

If the seemingly inevitable happens the club need to make a statement midfield signing to give a big injection of excitement and hope to the squad and us fans.

As much as we are all looking forward to seeing how the young un's come on, we need a player in who can stamp his authority on NUFC and the oppo from day one.

It doesn't have to be a near 30 year old, but it has to be a player with bags of experience at a high level and a good dose of leadership qualities would be high on my list as well.

So, it's over to Hopkinson and Wilson.

Decisions and action this coming week please.

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