Bruce deserves respect

ONE thing that frustrates me greatly about modern football is the venom and abuse that has now replaced constructive criticism and debate. I say this in light of the situation around Steve Bruce’s position. Although it has been confirmed that he will take charge of his Newcastle United side tomorrow against Tottenham at St James’ Park, it seems inevitable he will be replaced as manager soon. He surely knows it, we know it, the new owners know it. Indeed, I was surprised it took until yesterday for the club to clarify that he would be in the dugout, but perhaps ultimately, the owners have shown some class in allowing him to reach the milestone of his 1,000th game as a manager. Supporters are well entitled to speak their minds about the way a team play and Steve’s style is clearly at odds with what most of Newcastle’s crowd want. There is no harm whatsoever in discussing formations, form or whatever. This is what makes the game and why we talk about it so much. What I cannot abide, however, is the spite and the venom that seem to accompany everything that is said about Bruce. Why has it become so personal? This is a man who, come Sunday evening, will have managed 1,000 games in English football — that is an incredible achievement, not to forget what he did as a player in captaining Manchester United to the Premier League title. Whether you like him or not, the one thing he deserves is respect.