Former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton has backed his old boss Steve Bruce to be given a chance to take Newcastle United forward if and when the takeover goes through.
There’s been a lot of speculation as to who will be the Newcastle manager after the £300m Saudi Arabian backed takeover of Newcastle United goes through.
Names like Mauricio Pochettino, Massimiliano Allegri and even Rafael Benitez have all been mentioned – but there’s been very little clamour for the man who is currently in the role, Steve Bruce, to continue as manager. Hutton says all the speculation surrounding a potential Brucey replacement is “poor”.
“I think it’s poor. He’s in the job now, he’s the Newcastle United manager at the moment” said the Scot. “In my opinion everybody at the club should be coming out and saying: ‘No, Steve Bruce is the manager’.
“I think it would be terrible, it doesn’t look good, if before he’s even been given the opportunity he gets sacked or whatever. I think he’s done a really good job until now under the circumstances, let’s not forget that.
“I think he deserves the chance to go and prove that he’s capable of doing a good job. He’s probably waited for a chance like this through his whole managerial career so why shouldn’t be given the chance to do so?”
Whatever you think of him, there’s no doubt Steve Bruce has done better than all expected him to this season. Newcastle currently sit mid-table and are in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup – I’d have snapped your hand off for that at the beginning of the season.
However, whether or not he’s the man to take the club forward under new ownership… I’m not sure. If we’re going to be looking to try and break into the illustrious top six, then a decent manager with some pedigree at that level will surely be required.
If nothing else, a Pochettino or a Benitez will be a far bigger draw for big name players than Bruce will be. As harsh as it is, that’s just the truth of the matter.
For me, Bruce has earned my respect this season. If he keeps us in the league, which it looks as though he will, he will have earned my gratitude too. Unfortunately, under new ownership, he just isn’t the man to take this club to where they could be.
Personally, I have my fingers crossed that the Saudis can entice Pochettino to St James’ Park. His attacking style, coupled with the fact he loves a long-term project, make him the perfect choice for the top job on Tyneside.
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