‘I’M NOT BENITEZ’
Bruce acknowledges uphill battle with Toon
Preston 2 Newcastle 1
A DEPLETED Toon Army made the trip to Deepdale – and it could be a sign of things to come at troubled Newcastle United.
Three years ago, 2,700 visiting fans packed the Bill Shankly Kop for a friendly here. Yesterday, just around 1,000 made the journey.
With a boycott campaign racking up on Tyneside for the opening Premier League game of the season at St James’ Park – the live Sky TV visit of Arsenal – there could be even more empty seats.
Especially when despised owner Mike Ashley confessed he is likely to be in charge for some time to come after revealing that two attempted takeovers had failed. At least for new b boss Steve Bruce it was a calm introduction to what could prove a tortuous life in the Newcastle hot-seat.
There was little animosity from those fans who turned up and there was even a chant of “Brucie give us a wave”, to which the proud Geordie happily obliged.
While the heavens opened at Deepdale, Bruce stood in front of the dugout enjoying every moment.
“I have said many times if I hadn’t played football, I might have been standing with them,” he said. “Though that weather would have tested my loyalty today!
“I will try to do my best. I wasn’t nervous about the reaction. I am not everybody’s cup of tea, I am not Rafa Benitez. But whoever would have followed in his footsteps would have found it difficult.”
Apart from the odd refrain of “We want Ashley out”, there was no rebellion and no songs of old boss Benitez, who was enjoying a 1-0 win in China with new club Dalian Yifang.
Bruce lapped up the half- time introduction of record £ 40million striker Joelinton, who, with his first touch, won a penalty (above left). He wasn’t so happy seeing the Brazilian concede a penalty later, which Paul Gallagher, who already notched a spotkick, scored from to win the match.
“I think Joelinton will be a big hit,” added Bruce. “He’s full of life and energy and plays with his heart on his sleeve. He is not a typical Brazilian with silky skills, but he will be an effective No.9.”
The striker from Hoffenheim wanted to take Toon’s spot-kick, only for Miguel Almiron, who at £21m was the club’s previous record buy, to snatch the ball and see it saved by Declan Rudd.
But there had been no doubting Jonjo Shelvey’s finish from a 30-yard free-kick in the first half for the lead.