BRUCE HAS A LIGHT AT END OF TUNNEL
STEVE BRUCE reckons Newcastle United is slowly becoming his club – as he chases a win against Brighton this afternoon to make it a hat-trick of victories to start the season. A year ago the Magpies boss was “under the pump” from fans with his side 18th in the Premier League and trying to stabilise the place after Rafa Benitez’s departure.
This season the story is different. Bruce is convinced his first meaningful transfer window – during which he has brought in Callum Wilson,
Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis and Jeff Hendrick – is turning the club around.
He said: “I make no excuses, or mistakes, knowing that it was difficult walking through the door here.
“Now, a couple of good results helps. And the work we have done in the transfer market has given everyone a lift. Not just the manager but the group of players and the supporters.
“You see that group and think, ‘Newcastle has got a half-decent squad’.
“That is the improvement you want in 12 months. You need a bit of help. The addition of four of five players gave everyone a lift just at the right time.
“The timing was perfect with the season a week away.
“We are inching towards it (being my team, my club).
“We all clamour for time as you can’t just change overnight.
“The squad is stronger than 12 months ago and that is what I keep bashing on to do.”
Bruce is looking to clear out his squad in the next few days with Henri Saivet, Deandre Yedlin, Rolando Aarons, Christian Atsu – linked with Celtic – all available.
Jacob Murphy and Dan Barlaser are another two who are set to be loaned out.