TOON ‘IN A STORM’ ADMITS BRUCE
STEVE Bruce admits Newcastle are stuck in the middle of a “storm”.
The Toon are in limbo with owner Mike Ashley keen to sell the club and the Saudi- led consortium being banned from buying it.
But there has been plenty of activity in the transfer market and some of the team’s best players are being tied down to new contracts.
This week, Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lewis have joined the Magpies.
Bruce said: “Newcastle always seems to be in a storm. But there’s nothing like a signing or two, three or four to lift the mood among everybody.
“A manager, in particular, needs that bit of help.
“The work that has gone on behind the scenes, especially with my CEO, has been great.
“Very quietly, in amongst the storm, we’ve been trying to work our way through it.
“When they come thick and fast, I think everyone is pleased and delighted with what we’ve done.”
Bruce has managed to get Matt Richie, Jonjo Shelvey, Karl Darlow and Isaac Hayden tied down to new long-term deals.
And he thinks the Toon squad is in a much better place than when he took over from Rafa Benitez.
Bruce said: “This year there’s been no real preseason.
“I’m delighted with what we’ve done, just at the right time.
“We’ve got one or two signed up as well, and another couple are in discussions with Lee Charnley at the moment.
“I’ve said from day one, we have to try to improve.
“If I look at the squad, I think we’re stronger today than we were 12
months ago. That’s the thing for me, to gradually improve us.
“We did okay last season, but we can’t be happy that we settle for mid- table.
“Can we improve and enjoy the season that’s ahead?”
Bruce is looking for a top-ten finish this time after steering well clear of relegation last season.
He said: “We gave ourselves a chance of the top 10, but we knew we had a difficult finish.
“My job is to focus on and improve the team.
“The one thing a takeover does is put everybody in a position of uncertainty.
“That’s never healthy.”