Sports
Steve Bruce’s nightmare at Newcastle is finally over, but what exactly went wrong during his time on Tyneside?
Bruce’s nightmare at Newcastle is finally over, but what exactly went wrong during his time on Tyneside?
With the long-awaited departure of manager Steve Bruce yesterday afternoon, all eyes look
towards his potential replacement. No successor has been lined up yet but the Saudi-Arabian led consortium seem to have a number of potential managers in mind.
However, before we look forward to a hopeful future under new ownership lets reflect on 27months of Steve Bruce football – perhaps a painful reminder of the awful performances or more an opportunity to learn from the mistakes made.
The news had a certain inevitability about it with everyone knowing it needed to happen – including Bruce himself. During the 3-2 home defeat to Spurs on Sunday, supporters yet again chanted for the removal of the manager after witnessing yet another inept performance.
Following the recent poll by Newcastle United Supporters Trust in which over 90% voted that Bruce should take the clubs best interests into account and walk away from the job – Bruce finally took the decision to step down – news that came as no surprise to anyone involved with the club.
He told Newcastle club website: “I would like to thank my coaching team, the players and the support staff in particular for their hard work.
“I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football the club.”
“I wish everyone the best of luck for the rest of this season and beyond.”
The toxic relationship between fans and management has come to an end after over two years of football that was depressingly awful to watch, with a win rate of just 28.3% – the worst for any club he has managed.
However, perhaps the shining light of his reign is Newcastle remain in the Premier League after consecutive finishes of 13th and 12th. Yes, mid-table mediocrity but a respectable outcome given the lack of squad depth at the club?
One positive has to be the signing of Allan Saint-Maximin who became the attacking talisman and get fans off their seats with his mesmerising dribbling ability. This combined with introduction of a new number 9, Callum Wilson gave supporters hope that relegation could be avoided.
Before the arrival of Bruce to St. James Park toon fans were already skeptical of the appointment and some showed their discontent with the decision – the relationship was damaged from the start.
The role of Newcastle manager under Ashley was a poisoned chalice.
To the rest of the football world Bruce represented a “Geordie” boy who had returned home to change the fortunes of his boyhood club but to Newcastle fans he just another Mike Ashley appointment doomed to succeed from the beginning.
The treatment of the 60-year-old has been troubling at times but the feelings of frustration at his turgid style of football are perhaps justified.
The introduction of assistant Graeme Jones in January seemed to give the squad a lift as the performances on the pitch improved – the 2-0 away win at Everton a highlight.
However, this was short-lived.
The dreadful 3-0 away defeat to Brighton in March sticks in the mind of many Magpie supporters, after which there was an expectation within the club that Bruce would be dismissed.
But when he remained in his job, many feared the decision to remove him had been left until too late.
Banners called for the removal of the Englishman as calls of “we want Brucie out” became a common occurrence on a match day. The lack attacking threat was worrying as his side sat bottom of the standings for chance creation.
Against all odds, Newcastle survived and managed a 12th place finish but this wasn’t a true reflection of the volatile atmosphere that surrounded the club.
Demands for the removal of Bruce intensified over the summer and despite thoughts of giving up he continued in his role. His contract became a rolling deal for three-years and involved a pay-out of around £8million.
Bruce’s tenure was torturous, shambolic and at time nauseating. Substandard performances became customary as pundits continued to show support for the manager, despite a real lack of understanding for just how bad the football had become.
Following two seasons of mostly mind-numbing football and a wearisome third heading towards relegation, the new owners took the decision to remove Bruce from his post and give the fans what they wanted – a fresh start.
After 14 years of Mike Ashley, Newcastle have the opportunity to invest in January and push the club forward.
Whoever replaces Bruce won’t have it easy and survival is a must. The new era starts properly on Saturday with Graeme Jones taking charge at Selhurst Park. Could the removal of Bruce give the squad a new lease of life?
Only time will tell. But what is for sure is that it’s finally over and change is on its way.
What are your thoughts – Let us know on our social media below…
Author: Sam Smith
Euro 2022 top goal scorer Beth Mead is not included in England Women’s World Cup squad.
The 27-year-old Arsenal forward has not played since November having been a major doubt for the competition.
This comes after an anterior cruciate ligament injury which she still has not fully recovered from.
England head coach Sarina Wiegman has named the 23-player squad for this summer’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Tottenham striker Beth England, who has not been involved since last summer’s Euro competition is included.
Chelsea centre-back Millie Bright, who has been out with a knee injury since March, has made the 23-player squad.
Sarina Wiegman confirmed Bright would captain the team in the absence of injured defender Leah Williamson.
Wiegman went on to say she never thought Beth Mead would be fit in time for the tournament, saying: “She’s so positive and going well, but the timescale she had we would have taken so many risks to get to the World Cup
“I’m not willing to take that risk to push her too much and she gets injured again. We need to take care of players.”
England play Haiti in their opening match on 22nd July in Australia where they look to build on their success following Euro 2022.
After a successful loan spell to Hull City, Karl Darlow is poised for a permanent move away from St. James’.
Hull City manager Liam Rosenior has made it clear he wants to keep a hold of Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Signing for the club in 2014 from Nottingham Forest, he went onto make 100 appearances for the magpies with his debut coming in 2015 under Steve McLaren. His best stint for the club was during the 2020/21 season making 25 appearances. He then saw himself fall out of favour when Martin Dubravka signed for the club and now with Nick Pope cementing the position as his own, Darlow saw himself drop down the pecking order.
Signing for Hull City on loan in January, he has since made 11 appearances keeping 5 clean sheets in the process, with three coming in the last four matches against good opposition in Millwall, Blackburn, and Watford.
“He’s been magnificent since he’s come in,” Rosenior said after Darlow’s clean sheet against Watford on Saturday. “I think he’s massively enjoying working here, I think he’s enjoying the club, he’s settled in with the players really really well.
“What I really like about Karl was as soon as he signed he had his young family come and join him and settle down in the area, and I think that’s helped him. Hopefully we’ll have discussions in the summer about his long-term future.”
Rosenior revealed earlier in the week his intention to keep Darlow at the club, and Hull are believed to be in discussions with Newcastle over making the goalkeeper’s stay at the MKM Stadium permanent – as his loan agreement is believed to have as an option.
Contracted at St. James’ until 2025, it seems as though a permanent move to Hull City would be the best thing for Darlow with his position at Newcastle United seemingly gone.
Where do you think Karl Darlow will be next season – let us know on our social media and follow us for latest North East Updates – https://linktr.ee/northeastupdates
With the season drawing to a close, we have put together our Premier League Team of the Season.
In what has been a season that is set to go right down to the very end, it has been yet another spectacular campaign of football with players breaking out on to the scene and some very memorable moments.
Lets have a look at who we have decided is in the starting 11 for the Team of the Season.
The starting 11 was chosen in terms of not only who we think has been the best in those positions, but also who has either exceeded expectations but also who has done exactly what was expected of them in their position.
Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman mean Newcastle United make up 60% of the defence in this team, but for good reason. This season, the magpies are currently bosting the best defence in the league conceding the least amount of goals, 24 to be precise.
William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko make up the remaining two spots in the defence, the Arsenal duo have had a great campaign with the gunners still sat top of the league and looking to get their first league title in nearly 20 years.
A midfield three of Casemiro, Keving De Bruyne, and Martin Odegaard, three players so vital to their clubs and all having a wonderful season, it’s hard to put anyone else in there over them.
Up top, we have a front three of Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Erling Haaland as all three players have had goals, influence, and star power in their clubs to push them to the very top this season.
The substitutes include top of the league goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, which seems harsh to leave him out of the starting squad but up against Nick Pope, either could go in and it would be a good decision, but Ramsdale just makes it onto our bench.
Ben Mee has had a cracking season with Brentford seeing them looking set to enjoy a top half finish with him at the heart of defence. Luke Shaw gets on the bench after a solid season under Ten Hag at United.
Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Martinelli, and Harry Kane are the remaining players on the bench, all have had a fantastic season but unfortunately only make the bench for this squad.
Roberto De Zerbi is the manager of the season for us, having joined Brighton in September following Graham Potter’s departure, many thought this spelt the end of Brighton’s good fortunes in the Premier League, but not only did De Zerbi do better than expected of him, he has taken a very good Brighton and Hove Albion team and improved them navigating them to a top half finish.
Manchester City only see two players in this team, although they have had a great season, the rotation of the team sees a great team instead of individual players, which is a testament to how Pep Guardiola wants his teams to be.
Premier League 22/23 Team of the Season:
Nick Pope (GK), Kieran Trippier, William Saliba, Sven Botman, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Casemiro, Kevin De Bruyne, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Erling Haaland.
Subs:
Aaron Ramsdale (GK), Ben Mee, Luke Shaw, Bruno Guimaraes, Alexis Mac Allister, Gabriel Martinelli, Harry Kane
Manager: Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton)
Who would you put in your Premier League Team of the Season – Let us know on our social media and follow us for latest North East Updates – https://linktr.ee/northeastupdates
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