Under-fire Bruce vows to roll up his sleeves and dig in
STEVE BRUCE somehow managed black humour as he batted away criticism from all sides yesterday.
Asked if he’d like players to stop hugging when they scored to send a health message to lockdown Britain, Bruce said: “I’d like us to score a goal first!” Even in the midst of a storm, Bruce is straight-talking and honest.
After the worst week yet of his 18-month reign, Bruce calmly explained why he will remain at the helm at St James’ Park – despite the brutal deluge of criticism.
He turned 60 a fortnight ago and has managed 10 clubs after a playing career when he won everything at Manchester United.
But he’s still in the mood for more because he reckons this job is his proudest
– and last.
Bruce
(right) said:
“I’ve waited my whole life for an opportunity like this. Being from here, Tyneside, I regard it, in management anyway, as the pinnacle.
“Certainly, I might not have another manager’s job.”
Bruce is in the eye of the storm after Newcastle lost to Sheffield United last week to make it eight games without a win.
It’s Arsenal tomorrow, then Leeds, so the task doesn’t get any easier.
He has mitigating circumstances, including a Covid-19 outbreak at the club which wiped out half the squad, and many still look sluggish.
Fans are demanding he goes but there are few candidates out there who would take the job with a takeover still in the background and no money to spend.
Bruce refuses to be beaten down. He said: “I chose this profession and how lucky have I been? I’ve been involved as a player for 20 years and a manager for 20 years.
“I’ve done nearly 1,000 games as a manager, 500 of them in the Premier League, and results are key.
“You have to take it and not get too low when things are tough. I’ve got to keep positive.
“If I am lower than a snake’s belly, how can I expect a positive reaction from the players?
“So, I will never, ever give up. I might not be blessed with this, that and the other but I will always roll my sleeves up and get on
with it.”