Pundit Paddy Kenny has backed Newcastle United to hand manager Steve Bruce a new deal while speaking to Football Insider.
What’s the latest Newcastle United news?
Despite almost widespread unpopularity on Tyneside pretty much since he walked through the door as Rafa Benitez’s replacement, The Daily Star recently suggested Bruce was in line for a new three-year contract. Indeed, as unambitious as it might sound, the 60-year-old has kept the club in the Premier League and, crucially, doesn’t appear to be as eager to criticise Mike Ashley as his predecessor was.
That is not a defence of the reported plans to extend his stay at St James’ Park but – frankly – the logic in Ashley’s eyes does add up.
What is Steve Bruce’s win percentage at Newcastle?
In charge for 88 games so far, the former Wigan boss has won 29 times, yielding a rather unimpressive win percentage of 32.9%.
Fans will need little reminding as to some of the turgid football his team have offered during his spell and, with no new signings through the door so far this summer, the mood ahead of the new season looks incredibly bleak.
As it stands, Bruce still has a season to run on his current contract but reports from The Daily Telegraph in May suggested he wasn’t certain to stay given the lack of investment.
What did Kenny say about Bruce and Newcastle?
The pundit talked up Bruce’s work at Newcastle and claimed he’d be good value for a new deal.
“For me, Bruce has had it tough at Newcastle. They have had so many injuries.
“You could see that when they got their squad together later in the season, they started to get results and go further up the table.
“Personally, I think he’s done an amazing job at Newcastle. He got some great results.
“I don’t know why the fans are furious. I know they don’t want Ashley there but I think Bruce has done a good job with the cards he’s been dealt.”
