Agnew’s outrage at critics of Bruce
STEVE BRUCE’S former No.2 has hit back at accusations the players were on easy street during his time at Newcastle.
The departures of coaches Steve Agnew and Steve Clemence were announced this week, a month after Bruce left St James’ Park, with new boss Eddie Howe bringing in his own backroom team.
Already some Toon fans are claiming Howe, who turned up for work at 7am on his first day, has a stronger work ethic than Bruce. But Agnew said: “As a coaching team, we worked tirelessly in a bid to improve the squad.
“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 watching the Twenty20 World Cup with his family and has yet to make a firm decision on his future.
But despite Bruce, 60, hinting that his days as a manager are over, 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 have been forgotten is his eye for talent.
“During his time at Hull, 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.’’