I vote Bruce because the atmosphere is far better now than under Rafa. Even when Newcastle played very well under Rafa, the atmosphere wasn't fantastic, a constant anxiety that he was too good for us, the war with the board, at some point it felt akin to a cult of personality. With the banners and ****. Now, I get what the Hull City fans felt, Bruce has an infectious friendliness about him, and I think it has caught in the stands and in the dressing room. And he's from the North East, it just fits. Edit: I changed it as I think I was initially too harsh on Rafa. When Rafa was manager I wasn't at all hellbent on his going, but I thought it was the best outcome for everyone involved. I think in the end the relationship was toxic. Rafa is the past, Bruce is now, I think in a few years time everyone's estimation of Steve Bruce will have improved dramatically and he could possibly retire considered a good premier league manager. He is a very good Head Coach, far better than being the actual manager. The role suits a man like Bruce.
I voted Bruce but only because I see no point in changing it now. If you had asked who do I think is the better manager I would say Rafa.
Id pick rafa... over time we will see why... renember who built this defence. Bruce inherited it.. I like Bruce and weve had a few results way beyond the performance level during the games, but the comparison stuff is short sighted and a bit thick tbh. Bruce is the messiah
We've had some terrible performances with both, and Bruce plays often very deep. I can't help thinking that Rafa would stand up to the oaf more than Bruce would, but until there's a threat to our only good player being sold, it's hard to judge whose more competent in this setup.
Be a great fight but I reckon Bruce wins with a KO, you don’t get a face like Steve’s without being in a few scraps, plus he’s from the North East so we know he’s a hardy boyo!!
Tough gig. Nobody wanted him but he took it on. Fair play. He's done ok. Not great, not bad. Left my predudice at the door and waited to see what happened. It's ok. Ok is the best we can expect with this club at the moment. At least he understands the fans. 6.5/10
People "predicting" things will eventually go tits up for Bruce are just... strange. Like, no ****, there's a handful of elite managers who haven't had things go to **** and been forced out or walked. I can too guarantee that in a few years time Bruce will not be managing Newcastle.
The best we can hope for ever... Is possibly a Europa League place. That's the reality of football. At the moment just take solace and pride in those infrequent and unexpected victories.
Think I’d choose Rafa. Just. That’s just because under a decent owner I think we’d have gradually progressed over a few years. Bruce has done a great job under the circumstances, yet I just can’t see us ever not being a mid table team at best under him. Rafa just seems to have more ambition, not jus stagnation.
And yet Oxford stuffed us under Rafa. Bruce's great plan to give our injured players another run out. I for one don't miss the constant negativity and relegation battles. In response to any Rafa building a squad bollocks, I'll start with Joselu.