Steve Bruce has spoken out on being linked with the Newcastle United job, claiming that he has taken no notice of the speculation.
The 58-year-old Sheffield Wednesday has been touted as a possible replacement for Rafa Benitez, as reported by the Telegraph, but the man himself is less sure go the prospect.
Speaking to BBC Sheffield, as reported by the Chronicle (9.09), he said: “Maybe, because I’m from Newcastle [is the reason for the link].
“But no, I’ve been on holiday. I never take any notice of all that sort of speculation or tittle-tattle because the way the newspapers are today, no disrespect, because I think there have been 150 managers associated with Newcastle.
“I would suppose I’m going to be one of them.”
OPINION
To be honest, Bruce always felt like a rank outsider on this one. The Wednesday manager is a Geordie, yes, but that doesn’t mean that he should automatically be given the top job on Tyneside. Just ask Alan Shearer. As far as his management credentials go, Bruce is a solid enough appointment. He has averaged between 1.47 and 1.61 points per match in each of his last three jobs, but struggled a little during a spell with the Toon Army’s arch rivals Sunderland, only managing an average of 1.16 over the course of 98 games in charge [Transfermarkt]. Casting aside the politics of managing both clubs, the fact of the matter is that Bruce is unspectacular. That’s fine, make no mistake, but following in the footsteps of Rafa Benitez, Mike Ashley must find somebody who knocks fans off their feet. If he doesn’t then he could be facing mass boycotts next season, if he isn’t already.
