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Robbie Savage confronts Newcastle United fans over criticism for manager Steve Bruce
that he does not understand the criticism that Newcastle United fans have placed on manager Steve Bruce’s shoulders, after The Toon produced a marvellous display to beat Tottenham on Sunday.
Joelinton scored the only goal of the game as the club’s record signing from Hoffenheim netted his first goal for Newcastle, while a number of superb saves from Martin Dubravka kept the scoreline at 1-0 to Bruce’s side.
But it was the new manager’s tactics that sparked a stunning win. Newcastle seemed unbreakable, largely thanks to the centre-back trio of Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and man-of-the-match Paul Dummett.
Bruce has come under fire from Newcastle fans, with the belief that he was a poor appointment as hero Rafa Benitez’s replacement. But Savage – who worked with Bruce at Birmingham City – criticised that view.
“He’s come in three weeks before the start of the season,” “He hasn’t had a full pre-season. Some Newcastle fans didn’t want him, I get that. I knew Bruce was going to manage Newcastle, even though he turned it down to stay at Birmingham.
“So I know he’s passionate about Newcastle United. You’ve lost 63% of last season’s goals in Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez. Why are Newcastle fans being so negative to Bruce? I don’t get it – and some ex-players I’m led to believe.”
TBR’s view – Time for Newcastle fans to forget Benitez, and back Bruce
It was painful for Newcastle to lose Benitez at the end of his contract. Toon fans feared the worst, fans of other sides were sympathetic towards the club – as owner Mike Ashley continued to come under criticism.
But Bruce is in charge, and Benitez is on the other side of the planet. Newcastle fans need to get behind their new manager and forget about Benitez – which is ultimately the reason why Bruce has been criticised, because of the comparison with Benitez.
