Steve Bruce has revealed that the cup competitions will be his main priority in his first season in charge of Newcastle United.
The Magpies boss reiterated that he still plans to turn his Newcastle side into an established Premier League side while looking to take them forward from Rafael Benitez’ spell in charge in the North East.
Speaking in his press conference before Sunday’s opener against Arsenal, as quoted on the Chronicle’s live blog (09/08 9:14 am) Bruce said: “We will prioritise the cups and we want to take the club forward. We want to establish ourselves in the Premier League.”
The last major trophy Newcastle collected was the European Fairs Cup, which they won in 1969, as Bruce looks to end their 50 years trophy drought in his first season at the club.
OPINION
When Bruce was first appointed as the Newcastle boss, the majority of people would have laughed even if he predicted that he could get past the third round in both the League Cup and the FA Cup. The squad he had was nothing short of mediocre, especially after they lost their two top-scorers Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon. Now, say it very quietly, but the Magpies have looked good in pre-season, with their new signings having blended into the squad nicely, and certain youngsters such as Matty Longstaff breaking onto the scene with great effect. The arrivals of Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin have added great pace and creativity upfront and will be a handful for any opposition defence next season. The Magpies’ defence has also been strengthened with Jetro Willems and Emil Krafth adding much-needed depth to the wing-back positions. Newcastle were very one dimensional with Rondon last season, but they’ve added flair and depth to their squad, which will no doubt help their quest to end the 50 years of no success, whilst also seeing them keep an eye on their league progress.
