ALL THE BEST
FROM BACK PAGE has spoken about the speculation since bookies slashed his odds during the international break.
And while Gerrard insisted the longsuffering Geordie support deserve this massive change in fortune, he stopped a long way short of actually counting himself out as a potential candidate.
The Gers boss said: “I think it’s interesting what’s happening at Newcastle. I think if anyone deserves a break it’s the Geordie fans so I’m sure the excitement levels are very high down on the Toon.
“And obviously everyone connected with the game is looking in to see how that develops.
“But from a personal point of view I don’t get involved in speculation and I wish Steve Bruce all the best.”
Asked how he felt to have been listed among the front runners to replace his long-term pal, Gerrard – whose Rangers side take on Hearts at Ibrox this afternoon – said: “I don’t really react or get involved with any kind of speculation, especially when there’s someone who I have the utmost respect for sitting in the job that the speculation is about.
“For me, I’m in a very big job and a very big role here that I’m very much fully focused on.
“We’ve got a top-ofthe-table clash at the weekend and it’s a game I’m very much looking forward to.
“But I’ve certainly got one eye on Newcastle in terms of seeing Brucey get his 1000th game. He’s a great character of the game – someone who I’ve got a personal relationship with and the utmost respect for.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing him get his 1000th game. It’s a mammoth achievement so congratulations to him at the weekend.”
When asked if he felt Bruce should have been shown more respect by the incoming Newcastle regime Gerrard said: “The character that Steve Bruce is, I don’t think he’d want anyone to have sympathy for him or feel sorry for him.
“Sitting in these positions I wouldn’t like people to be speculating about my job so I certainly won’t be getting involved in any of the speculation towards his.”
In stark contract to Gerrard, Brendan Rodgers unequivocally ruled himself out.
The Leicester boss said: “I have a contract until 2025, I absolutely love being here.
“As long as they don’t want to move me, then I’m very happy being here at the club.
Bruce insisted he will fight to keep his job at Newcastle boss long term last night, turning his fire on reporters for suggesting he would be sacked this week.
Director Amanda Staveley released a statement yesterday lunchtime to confirm Bruce stays until Sunday at least – but the manager immediately said he’ll scrap to stay much longer.
Bruce said: “Who wouldn’t want to try? I will not give up the hope of it. Who wouldn’t want this job going forward.
“There will be hundreds of managers wanting the same and it’s exciting times.
“I will have a crack and try my utmost. Who wouldn’t want this opportunity and love to be sitting in my chair. I will make a fist of it and do my best for the club.”