Steve Bruce reveals his inspiration for Newcastle United next season

A year ago, West Ham United were fighting a relegation battle.
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It’s been a different story this season, and David Moyes’s side will take on Newcastle United looking to consolidate their position in the top four of the Premier League.

It’s been a memorable campaign, so far, for West Ham, though the same thing can’t be said for Steve Bruce’s team, who have had a forgettable campaign – and find themselves 17th in the division with seven games left to play.

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Moyes, like Bruce, wasn’t a particularly well-received appointment, but he’s rehabilitating his reputation at the London Stadium.

Asked about the accusations thrown at Moyes, including those that he’s a managerial “dinosaur”, Bruce said: “Well, what you’re saying is there are certain similarities (to me)!

“I suppose when you get a bit older you have to deal with these sort of things.

"He’s got to the top, because he works hard, and has a certain resilience and toughness. It just goes to show, in my opinion, what a top-class manager he is, because he’s relentless in his work ethic.

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"I’m delighted for him, because I’m sure he has had some really tough moments over the last few years.

David Moyes and Steve Bruce.David Moyes and Steve Bruce.
David Moyes and Steve Bruce.

"He has dispelled a few myths, and all the stuff you have talked about, and what he’s done this year is a remarkable achievement, so hats off to him, his staff and the players. It’s been a remarkable turnaround.”

Bruce was backed by United owner Mike Ashley after a shocking 3-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion last month – and the 60-year-old hopes to stay in charge next season and emulate Moyes.

"I think they (West Ham) give all of us in the bottom half of the table, hope that you can do that,” said Bruce. “They have been very shrewd who they’ve brought in last summer.

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“They’ve had a wonderful season. It gives everybody that little bit of hope that this is what you can try to go on and achieve. The difficulty for them now, of course, is how they replicate it and stay up there next year.

"He (Moyes) is a top, top manager, but if they can do it, (why can’t we do it too), why not?”

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