HOWE DARE YOU CALL US LAZY

Bruce’s No.2 slams accusations Toon stars were not worked hard enough: If we took a rest, it was on advice

EXCLUSIVE BY IAN MURTAGH STEVE BRUCE’S former No.2 has hit back at accusations the players had it easy during the 60-year-old’s time in charge at Newcastle.

The departures of coaches Steve Agnew and Steve Clemence were officially announced this week, a month after Bruce left St James’ Park, with new Toon chief Eddie Howe bringing in a new backroom team.

And while the reshuffle went down well with fans, Agnew is bemused by some of the flak flying around.

When Howe turned up at the training ground before 7am on his first day, his work ethic was compared favourably to his predecessor. But Agnew, Gareth Southgate’s right-hand man when they worked at Middlesbrough, insists much of the criticism has been unfair and factually wrong.

“As a coaching team, we worked tirelessly in a bid to improve the squad,” said Agnew, who left Toon on amicable terms.

“Whether it was on the training pitch, watching videos, analysing data or just discussing tactics, we certainly put the hours in. To say there were too many days off or that the players got off lightly is out of order.

“Whenever we did give them time off, it was only after taking advice from the sports scientists. Of course, you’re always judged on results and the fact is this season we knew we were under the pump because it just didn’t happen for us.

“Good luck to Eddie and his team. It’s an exciting time and we wish him all the best.”

Bruce has been in Dubai with his family watching the T20 World Cup and has yet to make a firm decision on his future.

But despite him hinting managing his hometown club could be his last in football, Agnew is not so sure.

“Steve still has a lot to offer,” he said. “His passion for the game is still there, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he came back.

“What seems to be forgotten is his eye for talent. During his time at Hull and then Aston Villa, he signed the likes of Harry Maguire, Andy Robertson, John McGinn and Jarrod Bowen for relative peanuts so you’d think plenty of owners would be interested in someone with that record.

“And his man-management skills are second to none.”