King Kev’s way is the only howay Bruce pledges to attack

KEVIN KEEGAN’S entertainers remain a revered memory on Tyneside and the benchmark for every subsequent Newcastle side since they almost won the league 23 years ago.

New boss Steve Bruce does not pretend his team can match their illustrious predecessors, who blew a 12-point lead to the Manchester United side he featured in back then, in terms of consistent results.

But Bruce has made clear the attacking football that was Keegan’s hallmark is back in vogue.

Ahead of his first competitive game in charge, against Arsenal tomorrow, the Geordie used the phrase “top end of the pitch” 14 times, stressing the importance of improving on last season’s poor goal tally of 42.

Yet for all his bold talk, Bruce knows that however adventurous Newcastle try to be, results, even ugly wins, are what will make or break him.

The arrival of Andy Carroll has lifted the mood of a fanbase in despair following WHETHER it is the sack race; the drop zone; top two, three, four or six; match bets; or top and bottom at Christmas, you can bet on just about anything in the Premier League.

But wading through a blizzard of offers, two stand out – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to land the Golden Boot at 8-1 and Leicester City to finish best without the big six at 7-2 (both bet365).

The case for the Arsenal striker looks better than last season, when he shared the title with Sadio Mane and Rafa Benitez’s exit and the striker is likely to be introduced to the crowd before kick-off.

Despite splashing out almost £70million in three weeks, Bruce knows there will be no honeymoon period for Mo Salah on 22 goals, a total boosted by his penalty duties.

Because of what the referees’ chief is saying about interpreting new handball laws and VAR, there is likely to be him. Newcastle didn’t win for 10 games last year, but the supporters stayed patient,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll get that long and you’ve got to deal with the pressure.

“Rafa earned the right after getting the club back in the Premier League and hopefully, more spot-kicks, which should give Aubameyang a boost.

Up front, the Gunners have assembled a sharp front-line and, with the peerless Alexandre Lacazette laying over a period of time, if we get enough results, I’ll get the sort of respect they’ve got for him.

“We’ve got an incredibly difficult start but, like most managers, you have to get a few results and quickly.”

Bruce will set the team up differently from his predecessor, with the midfield encouraged to support striker Joelinton, their £40m record buy from Hoffenheim.

“It’s practically impossible to get it similar because of the real top, top players they had,” he said, recalling Keegan’s goal-laden side.

“But I’ve always said you’re only ever as good as your strikers. You can defend as much as you want, but if you’ve got someone at the top end of the pitch who scores, you’re always in the game.

“We’ve got that threat and a team of mine will try to play on the front foot.”

Thousands of supporters are still intent on boycotting the club this weekend, but Bruce senses change in the air.

“You can feel a little mood swing already,” he said. “Fans seem excited.”

them on a plate, Aubameyang can make hay.

Manager Unai Emery used him sparingly in cup competitions last season, which is another plus.

From one fox in the box to a whole load of them. Aside from losing Harry Maguire, Leicester have assembled a top-quality side at the King Power and, in Brendan Rodgers, have the manager to push it on.

With Wolves busy in the Europa League and Everton’s haphazard transfers failing to inspire, Leicester to steal into seventh place is a belting bet.