Although we have moved on, I still think Bruce deserves a lot of credit for the players he brought in during his tenure. Looking back, hardly any of them didn't work out. In addition, he secured us valuable funds for the likes of Bent, Henderson &, shortly, Gyan. I think you have got to say that Bruce had a massive, positive, effect on the club. Yes ,his tactics may have been lacking but that's the only criticism I can level at him. Not a bad record overall!
Not trying to fall out mate. (AGAIN! ) Bruce being a Geordie shouldn't even come into the equation. IT definitely hurt some fans during the Derbies when we played so abjectly so it was an easy stick to beat him with. I wasn't enamoured of Wigan's style of play and still think a couple of good players were getting them out of the **** on most occasions. I'm harping on about this again, but we were lucky to finish 10th as others around us dropped points. If Newcastle had won their last game they would have finished above us. Said this before I went into every game under Bruce hoping we would get a result, not once was I ever confident.
McClean was lauded in Ireland for a long time before anyone came in with a decent offer. A lot more clubs now have scouts over here. I have seen cracking players being ignored in the past and sinking in the Irish leagues (part time players do not look after themselves). My club Cliftonville just sold a young striker to Swansea, couple hundred grand. He will do the business, Everton and Liverpool also had scouts over at Solitude and Pool made an offer.
It is history repeating itself. Bob Stokoe was an out and out black and white, and like Bruce went where the work was. He had a different approach than Alan Brown and got a massive response from a talented squad.
And I disliked Brown as much as I did Bruce if not more in fact. My old man God rest him hated Brown with a passion.
He caused the relegation in 1958 with his big clearout and we were heading out of Dive 2 prior to Stokoe rescjuing us. Most of the fans would have lynched him.
I must say I do feel sorry for Bruce. As you can see in the photo I took of him yesterday, he's looking really sad and forlorn these days.
