*A joint statement from @AshleyOutdotcom, @TheMagpieGroup_, @IfRafaGoesWeGo, @EmptyForAshley, @NUFC360, @LondonMagpies, @Mike_Ashley_Out, @MaintainSjp, @NWestMagpies & @NUFCblogcouk*
‘Group statement
‘Nine Newcastle United supporter groups, which are calling on fans to boycott the club’s first game of the season, against Arsenal – have issued a joint statement in response to the appointment of Steve Bruce as manager.
‘Steve Bruce is an unambitious appointment by an unambitious owner. To go from a world-class manager in Rafa Benitez, who brought stability and unity to the club to Steve Bruce – who frankly wouldn’t get a job at any other Premier League side right now – in the space of six weeks is beyond disappointing.
‘Most Premier League clubs look to the continent or lower divisions for young, promising, forward-thinking managers in the mould of Pochettino, Gracia and Santo – who bring a new brand of football to a highly-competitive league. In Bruce, Mike Ashley has opted for a manager who has been relegated from the league numerous times – he isn’t even a safe pair of hands.
‘Bruce’s appointment is testament to Ashley’s continued mismanagement of Newcastle United Football Club, which has been the hallmark of his tenure.
‘It’s now time for him to sell the club to a party that genuinely wants to take the club forward.’