I’M YOUR MAN
Bruce wants chance to lead Newcastle into a new era
STEVE BRUCE has told the Saudi-led consortium hoping to buy Newcastle United that he wants to stay on as boss – despite their interest in Mauricio Pochettino.
The veteran coach says he backs himself to build a team that can challenge at the top “like Newcastle did in 1995 and under Sir Bobby Robson”.
Bruce admits he has been given no official guidance over when the takeover by Amanda Staveley’s group and 80 per cent funded by Prince Bin Salman’s Saudi Public Investment Fund, will go through.
The Premier League are examining the deal and the Saudis alleged piracy in broadcasting games without paying for the rights.
A ruling has been delayed because league officials are concentrating on the details of Project Restart.
Bruce started training with his squad this week and is expected to remain in charge to complete the season.
His position will then come under scrutiny if the owners want to relaunch under a new head coach.
Former Spurs boss Pochettino has been strongly linked with the club. However, Bruce said: “I’d back myself against most people in that division.
“But to be in a position where you’re actually challenging, and you have a good enough team as Newcastle did in 1995 and under Sir Bobby Robson as well, then it would be wonderful.
“I’d back myself, of course I would. Whether you’re managing in the lower division or you’re right at the top, it’s about getting the best out of what you’ve got. And if you can do that, I’d back myself to have a crack at it. I’d be confident that I’d be able to do it.
“If it’s good for Newcastle, and the club are going to try to compete with these teams, to be part of it would be great. I’d love to be part of it.
“I hope it’s where it goes, but in the meantime I’ll just crack on, wait, roll my sleeves up and get on with trying to get some results to try to get the club going forward.”
The £300million takeover could transform Newcastle. But it is also controversial and the Saudis have been accused of wanting to use their purchase of Newcastle to “sportswash” their poor human rights record.
Speaking about the deal for the first time, Bruce added: “If that happens for Newcastle in the future, then great – I’d be delighted.
“I have a wonderful working relationship with Lee Charnley [the club’s managing director] and he told me, ‘When there’s something to tell you, Steve, I’ll tell you.’
“We’ve left it at that and gone back to work. It’s not worth talking about it as I really don’t know.”