Lou beauty as teen star hits hat-trick in second league start
STEVE BRUCE has vowed to stay on as Newcastle boss – even if there is a big money takeover.
The Newcastle head coach has insisted he deserves the chance to build a squad after just 11 month in charge.
Bruce has waited most of his career to take charge at St James’ Park, after passing up the chance to succeed Sir Bobby Robson
16 years ago.
With Mike Ashley selling up for
£300million, and a Saudi-backed consortium bidding to take charge with claims of fresh investment, Bruce has made his case. He said: “The reason I took the job is I am a Newcastle fan and always will be. “My job is can I try to take the club forward? If there is going to be a takeover, If there is something happening that will help the club – and I can help in any way shape or form – I would love to stay in charge.
“Why shouldn’t I? I have enjoyed every minute of it. It is difficult but I have enjoyed the challenge of managing this great club and I hope I can take it forward if that is the case.
“It’s for other people to decide. I have said from the day I walked in the door, whatever is best for the club is good by me.”
Bruce has weathered takeover uncertainty in his past jobs and will concentrate on securing a top-10 finish – starting against Sheffield
United today.
Asked about being pitched into the middle of a legal minefield, with the
Saudis trying to prove they are worthy owners to the Premier League amid human rights and TV piracy concerns, Bruce said:
“It could only happen here, couldn’t it?
“I’ve only been here a year but are we surprised? To get involved in politics and things above you at boardroom level –
LONE STRIKER: Joelinton has spent lockdown on his own and the club but most importantly their team-mates and themselves, and see where we can take it.
“We are slugging it out with the big boys and that’s been an exceptional achievement so far.
“If we don’t do what we’re trying to do then nobody can be ashamed.
“That isn’t me taking the easy way out because I’m pushing the boys as hard as I have pushed any group of players – I know what’s at stake.
“So we’ll try and affect what we can do, and give it a right go.”
Wilder goes head to head with
I’ve been able to let it just go over my head because there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Bruce has revealed how record £40m signing Joelinton has shown his “toughness” in coming through lockdown alone in a flat after his family went back to Brazil during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Newcastle coaches have worked closely with the striker recently to improve his goalscoring instincts and positioning in the penalty box.
Bruce says he may benefit from playing in grounds with no crowds and has praised his resilience.
He said: “Joe has found it difficult – there is no question about that in terms of adapting to life in England.
“If anyone suffered in lockdown, all his family have gone back to Brazil and he’s stuck in a flat with practically no one but he’s a determined so-and-so and he’s as tough as they come.
“He trains well every day. I hope this time has given him time to reflect about what it is to be a player in the Premier League and what it is to be Newcastle’s No 9. He wants to do well.
“He tries like a beast in training every day. We have to improve him and his mentality of being a goalscorer. He’s more of a team player.
“Goalscorers who I played with in the past were only ever happy if they scored a goal. If they didn’t score a goal, no matter how good the team played, they were not happy.
“I think we have to get that mentality into Joe to be a bit more selfish and get himself in the right areas. That’s something that we’ve been trying to put in place now in the last few weeks since we’ve been back.
“Let’s hope the break has done him a bit of good to reflect on life in England, in the Premier League and what it’s like to have a big price tag on your head as Newcastle No.9.” good friend Steve Bruce, with the Toon boss uncertain over his future.
Bruce is under threat if a proposed £300million Saudi-backed takeover goes ahead, with the new owners expected to parachute in a big-name foreign boss.
That has not impressed Wilder (right) who added: “It’s not for me to say but his CV and man-management says everything. Steve’s a quality manager and a quality guy as well.
“You look at his success and think, ‘Deary me’. If I have half his career as a manager I’ll take that all day long.
“It’s about this time of the year I usually see him and his wife in Portugal and have a beer with him.
“Steve’s somebody I’ve spoken to for a number of years for advice.
“That’s been great for me and has helped me.”
TEEN sensation Louie Sibley claimed a stunning first senior hat-trick to inspire Derby’s comeback win.
Matt Smith had headed Millwall into the lead in typical fashion in the 15th minute.
But Sibley then stole the show in only his second league start.
He pulled the Rams level with a stunning left-foot strike in the 26th minute, put them ahead with 19 to go, then completed his hat-trick with a cool finish in the 90th minute.
Lions sub Jon Dadi Bodvarsson pulled a goal back in injury time but it came too late to stop the Rams claiming a third straight league win.
Derby boss Phillip Cocu was delighted with the impact of Sibley.
He said: “Louie scored three great quality goals. He played a complete game in his position. I was very pleased with his performance today.
“Apart from the football we played, we showed mentally we are a strong side and we have confidence in our way of playing.”
Wayne Rooney quickly took the chance to prove he loves playing just as much in front of two men and a dog as a full house at Wembley when the match got under way.
The Derby ace put on a show of one-touch and line-breaking passes.
But he did all this playing just in front of his own back four with Gary Rowett’s side sat deep waiting to pounce on the break. And they did just that to take the lead with their first meaningful attack.
Shane Ferguson’s teasing left-foot cross fell perfectly on to the head of Smith who bulleted his header past Ben Hamer.
Sibley then levelled just after the first drinks break.
Jayden Bogle played the ball into the teenager who jinked past two before firing a left-foot shot into the roof of the net.
Bartosz Bialkowski denied Sibley a sensational second after he beat three Millwall defenders.
Smith should have restored the home side’s lead just after the break but scooped his shot over.
But when the game ticked into the 71st minute Sibley was deadly in slotting away Martyn Waghorn’s pass.
He did likewise when teed up by sub Chris Martin at the death.
There was a late scare for the Rams when Bodvarsson fired in off the underside of the bar but this was Sibley’s day.
Millwall boss Rowett said: “We started okay and scored with a very good goal, then after that we conceded two very poor goals.
“They were very well taken by Sibley and I am sure Derby are delighted with him.
“Defensively we were just a bit too passive.”