Steve Bruce reveals his outlook at Newcastle United ahead of takeover decision
It’s also been one of the toughest of his 22 years in management.
Newcastle United’s 351-day Premier League campaign ended yesterday with a 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool, the champions.
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Hide AdThe result saw the club finish in 13th place – where the team finished last season under Rafa Benitez – with 44 points.
Owner Mike Ashley thanked Bruce, his players and the club’s staff after the game via a Zoom video call.
Ashley’s decision to appoint Bruce as Benitez’s successor last summer was met with a lukewarm reception on Tyneside amid protests and a planned boycott, and the 59-year-old knew he would have to win over fans as well as win matches when he signed a three-year contract at St James’s Park.
Bruce has come in for criticism at times this season, notably after early-season defeats away to Norwich City and Leicester City. However, he insists he has “enjoyed” his first, challenging year at St James's Park.
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Hide Ad“I’ve tried to enjoy it,” said Bruce. “Of course, with a long season, there’s going to be a few ups and a few downs. What you try to do, with experience, is stay in the middle.
"I’ve been determined to do one thing, to come and enjoy it. As I’ve said many times, it would have been easier to say ‘I don’t fancy that, because that’s too difficult a job – I might get a bit of stick there’.
"That didn’t come into the equation. The equation was that I’m a Newcastle lad through and through, and I want the club to do well. That’s been the same since I was a kid.
"Something I’ve always looked for is Newcastle’s result. To be the manager has been a pleasure so far. Let’s see where it takes us in the summer.”
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Hide AdBruce has repeatedly called for “clarity” over the proposed £300million Saudi Arabia-backed takeover which has been with the Premier League for approval since April.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said late last month that he hoped the process would be concluded “shortly”.