Steve Bruce is 'just' in the dug-out at Newcastle United on Sunday, which will play at home against Tottenham Hotspur. It is the first time that The Magpies have come into action after last week's much-discussed takeover.
A very wealthy consortium from Saudi Arabia bought the shares of the club from former owner Mike Ashley, who has put little energy into the club over the past fourteen years. Partly for that reason, the meeting with Tottenham Hotspur will be a special one in Newcastle's history. Supporters said that Bruce's stay would be a stain on the celebration, but the new owners still support the sixty-year-old coach.
It is a special game for Bruce anyway: he can record his thousandth game as head coach on Sunday. "What you all wanted did not happen," the much-discussed manager said somewhat irritated to the media during Friday's press conference. "I hope you all get support from the people in your department at work." The former coach of Sunderland and Aston Villa had a first meeting with the new owners last week. "They are the nicest people. If their takeover means that the club is moving forward, I just applaud that."
Bruce said earlier this week that he would not be surprised by a possible dismissal. “New owners usually want their own trainer,” he said. Still, Bruce gains the trust of the consortium for a while. "We've had a pretty busy week highlighting the organization and meeting all the people," said co-owner Amanda Staveley in a statement on the club's website. "We remain patient. Change does not happen overnight. It takes time and we follow a thoroughly thought-out strategy."
Source: transfermarketweb.com