IT’S ALL WRITE NOW FOR BRUCE

STEVE BRUCE would love to rewrite his long-awaited autobiography with stirring tales of his exploits at hometown club Newcastle.

Its working title is Theatre of Dreams, with more than 100 pages devoted to stories from his success-laden decade at Old Trafford during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

While it is probably asking too much for the book to eventually be entitled Geordie Messiah, Bruce, 58, is hoping Manchester United have to share top billing with his Toon experiences.

“It would be nice if the book ended up the other way around, but when you’re writing one, everyone wants to hear about Man United and Fergie so that will be a big chunk,” he said.

“When I get around to it, the book will certainly be better than the first one (Heading For Victory, published in 1995). It was very, very poor and I’ll do it properly this time.

“I was out of work when I started working on it and after Aston Villa I thought I would have a bit of time, but then I took a call and I was off and running again. So we will revisit the book at a later date.

“I’ll have to keep a few chapters for this job, however long it may be. And as for that title, it’s time to change that!”

Bruce (celebrating the longawaited first Toon goal for Miguel Almiron, top) used to harbour hopes of succeeding Sir Alex, but now insists Newcastle was always his dream job. He added: “When I got the call here, I thought, ‘This is as good as it gets for me’. Everyone associates me with Man United (below) because I had 10 years there, but how many Geordies have managed this great club of ours?

“For that, I am very, very privileged and I am going to make a fist of it.” Even though his former club are now his second love, that is unlikely to dilute the reception he receives in the visitors’ dug-out this evening with the sides level on points and just one place separating them in the table. He added: “It will be a proud day and even though it’s 23 years since I left, it’s always great to go back.”

Having won 1-0 at St James’ Park in October, Newcastle are looking for their first double over United since

1931.