Angry boss is told: Keep calm and carry on.. for now

STEVE BRUCE says he has been told to carry on after co-owner Amanda Staveley as good as downgraded him to caretaker manager in a telling statement. Sportsmail understands the club’s new Saudi-backed owners had planned to sack the 60-year-old this week, although he will now remain in charge for tomorrow’s visit of Spurs. But it was not until 45 minutes before Bruce was due to speak to the media yesterday that confirmation arrived via Staveley of him staying in post – at least for the time being. ‘Change does not always happen overnight, it demands time and that we follow a carefully considered plan and strategy,’ she said. ‘If we make any changes going forward, Steve will be the first to know. But in the meantime, we wish him the best of luck in his 1000th match as a manager and will be joining you (the fans) in getting right behind the team.’ Bruce was in a fiery mood as he faced reporters during a bitter press conference, blaming them for coverage of his impending dismissal. ‘I have tried to keep my dignity,’ he said. ‘It’s been difficult. But I hope you guys are getting a slap now from your bosses. ‘Whoever it was who was speaking to you, they didn’t get it right. I hope you’re feeling the heat. It hasn’t happened, has it? What you all wanted.’ Newcastle’s search for Bruce’s replacement is continuing behind the scenes and, while sources say all key decisions are part of a ‘process’, a change of manager remains their priority. Bruce, though, says he has not been told of their plans and revealed the new consortium have spent just 10 minutes with him. ‘After a 10-minute conversation with the new owners on Monday – when we talked about the team, injuries, the training ground, it was very informal – it was just that I would carry on until I hear otherwise,’ he said. Sportsmail revealed last week that Bruce is set for an £8million pay-off, and he was asked yesterday if that was the reason he was ‘hanging around’. ‘That’s a really awful question,’ he said. ‘It’s not all about money with me. I want to be the manager of Newcastle. I’ll have a crack and try my utmost. Who wouldn’t want this opportunity now?’ Bruce also said that he thought about quitting this summer after a 12th-placed finish, on the back of a season of supporter unrest. ‘I considered my future in the summer, but I decided to crack on,’ he said. ‘After finishing 12th and 13th and matching the previous manager (Rafa Benitez), I thought, “Can I take it forward? Can I do any better?”. But then I

thought that no matter how difficult it is, it’s still a great job.’ Meanwhile, in confirming Bruce would remain in charge against Spurs, Staveley said: ‘We have had a busy week reviewing the business and it is imperative we continue to be patient and considered. We met Steve and the players on Monday and have given them the time and space to focus on preparing for Sunday’s game.’ TOTTENHAM’S plans for the match have been plunged into chaos after two first-team players tested positive for Covid-19. The duo, who weren’t named, trained with the squad on Thursday and must now isolate for 10 days, also ruling them out of a trip to Vitesse midweek and a derby at West Ham next weekend.