GEORDIE PHWOAR
STEVE BRUCE has promised Newcastle fans there will be no return to the defensive football which marked the Magpies’ season before lockdown.
And he has pledged to stick with the front-foot tactics which earned his side successive wins prior to the Premier League shutting down three months ago.
The Geordies have the chance to clinch survival with back-to-back games at St James’ Park against Sheffield United – their first match back on Sunday – and Aston Villa before entertaining holders Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Although they have lost just two of their previous 13 league and cup games, their last three on home soil were goalless draws. And Newcastle’s only league goal at home this year was Isaac Hayden’s injury-time winner against Chelsea in January.
Though there will be no repeat of the joyous scenes which greeted that goal when the Toon face the Blades, Bruce wants fans to be on the edge of their living room seats when they watch their team in action again.
“The football was difficult to watch at times,” he said. “But in our last three games, we changed the system and created a lot more chances and we will stick with that formation for the rest of the season.
“Perhaps we may have to tinker when facing the bigger teams, but we won’t be returning to five at the back. It served a purpose but it was never the way I wanted us to play.
“Hopefully, we will give our supporters back home something to get excited about.”
Dwight Gayle had forced his way into the side in March but the striker sustained a calf injury while out jogging last month and is unlikely to be fit. That will benefit Joelinton (left) who made way for Gayle in Newcastle’s last game at Southampton.
The Brazilian, whose only Premier League goal was in August, has looked sharp in behind-closeddoors friendlies and Bruce backs him to hit the ground running.
“Big Jo has done well and hopefully he’ll have a good end to the season,” said the Magpies boss.
“But it will very much be a squad game from now on because if the Bundesliga is anything to go by, everyone is going to be picking up their share of injuries.
“That’s why we’ll be taking advantage of the five substitutes rule change as much as possible.”