That's not really a ringing endorsement for Benitez as Bruce has a better points return at the same stage of the season. I've enjoyed watching us under Bruce moret than I ever did under Benitez.
For stability sake we should do what City did with Hughes. Give Bruce the season with an attainable goal and see how it goes.
No. Not in the class we would require. First team just look at his record. Youth/Academy what relevant experience at that level does he have for a Club aiming to be amongst the best? We are running a business and we should aim to employ the best we can afford.
It would be good to keep a popular fella around for a season longer while we do some hiring and investment. A DOF can come in, a whole host of other stuff and in return Bruce can have another decent season and raise his stock further. He'll get a prem job after this.
Nail on head with very large hammer. Some people need to review what the actual criteria they are using to judge managers. It appears having a foreign name, a well thought of one in football circles, is more important than how you actually perform as manager in terms of performances, entertainment and points return.
For Comparison this year compared to last (Whole season compared to 8 games to go...) Bruce has: 1 less clean sheet 2 less wins 7 less goals conceded - obviously that could vary wildly with 8 games left but I think it will be there or there abouts. Goals scored is a bit bigger marign (Rafa 42, Bruce 28) but if you subtract Rondon and Perez's 23 goals (2 experienced older EPL players) and Joelinton (not a striker) and ASM (who are both 22 and their first season in the EPL) 5 goals - Brucey is actually ahead with 8 games to go. I think people need to calm down a bit on the Bruce-bashing. It's not his team, all bar the January loan signings can't be suggested to be his (not that I think he has much say even in Jan), he had a very short preseason with the club and he's got a less experienced strike force. Bruce was NOT the manager I wanted but I am happy to give him time personally, its a results based business and when the results aren't good enough he will be sacked by which ever regime is running the show. He has had some great results - Everton comeback, Spurs, Man U and Chelsea wins, the draw with Man City - I'm sorry you don't get those results being a ****e manager. Bar the Leicester 5-0, with Hayden sent off at 1-0 down and Arsenal 4-0 (2-0 at 90 mins) we haven't been completely outclassed by anyone. 4 points off 8th which could be european football - won't happen but it's closer than the relegation zone (11 points) and still would have been even if we'd not beaten Sheffield for the second time this season who people are "tashing" themselves dry over... He's done alright in short.
Where I live I can see the birth place of Steve Bruce, it's just two miles down the road. Every *******day I am reminded of him, honestly it's like some sort of perverse anti - Bethlehem! He has done the job he was asked of, no more, no less, with the mediocrity that has served him well as a manager for twenty or so years. His stats don't lie.
Ok I don’t know if this Is hilarious or just really badly judged, but Bruce has actually said he should be given a year, then judged objectively and if he hasn’t succeeded then - I quote - “off with my head”.....
FA Cup Final is 1st August so that would be his last match in charge. Premier League finishes the Sunday before that.
He was appointed just after we flew out to Asia for pre-season...think he missed the first game but was there for the 2nd iirc. So yeah, getting on for nearly a year now. This time last year Rafa was penning his letter to the Toons to say farewell.
Yesterday. ""I hope, over time, they judge me on results and judge me on what they see and at least give me a year into it. If I'm no good then, fine, off with my head. At the moment, we're doing OK so that's OK."
