Les Ferdinand believes that Steve Bruce can eventually win over Newcastle United fans after the departure of Rafael Benitez – if he keeps winning football games.
The former Magpies’ striker claims that Newcastle fans will enjoy and more importantly love Bruce’s style of football if their club starts to win games consistently.
Ferdinand claims that no matter who took over at St James’ Park, they were set to struggle at first after fan favourite Benitez left the club after months of negotiations with Mike Ashley.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the retired forward admitted that Bruce has it all to do, but he knows that Bruce will give it his all to deliver success to his boyhood club.
“I think the fans will love Steve Bruce and enjoy his time at Newcastle if Newcastle win games of football,” he said.
“I think no matter who you are, sometimes the managers who go into clubs are not the ideal choice and no one wanted to lose Rafa.
“Whoever was going in there after Rafa was going to get this effect. Steve has got it all to do. I know his heart is in wanting Newcastle to do well and he will give it his best shot.”
OPINION
Ferdinand is spot on, Bruce definitely had everything stacked against him when taking over from Benitez, but his start has been encouraging. One of the most impressive parts of his short tenure at Newcastle has been his ability to accept he was wrong and change his system when he could see it wasn’t working. The Magpies started the campaign with three men in midfield and only two leading the line. Those two attacking options were consistently isolated in the opening fortnight, and Bruce quickly adapted his formation and pushed one of the midfield men further forward to create a front three. That brought instant results, as Bruce’s men picked up four points before the international break including an impressive win away at Tottenham. It was never going to be easy, but if the Magpies pick up where they left off before the international break, Bruce will start to pick up plaudits as the season continues.
