The Top Flight
Fansided

Premier League: Newcastle’s Steve Bruce for Manager of the Year Award

By Keith Lisenbee

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on January 18, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on January 18, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next

Newcastle drew at Everton on January 21st. However, it was not just any draw. The Magpies scored two improbable goals in stoppage time to break the hearts of the Goodison Park faithful.

That draw gave them 30 points for the season and kept them seven points adrift from the relegation zone – in 14th. As a point of reference, Newcastle is closer to 5th place Manchester United than the relegation zone.

The Main Intangible: The Manager

Renowned manager Rafael Benitez ended his term with Newcastle United after finishing 13th last season by not signing a new contract in the midst of a row with club owner, Mike Ashley.

He had managed to guide the Magpies out of the Championship – winning promotion after the 2016-17 season and staying in the Premier League for the following two seasons. His departure along with forward Ayoze Perez was met by their fan base with hand wringing, and predictions of their club being sent back to English football purgatory.

The hiring of 59-year-old veteran English manager Steve Bruce did not alleviate many fans’ concerns. He was considered a journeyman gaffer and a huge step down in quality from the Champions League winner Benitez.

Bruce started his managerial career in 1998 and managed at the following clubs prior to coming to Newcastle: Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Wigan (twice), Crystal Palace, Birmingham, Sunderland, Hull City, Aston Villa, and Sheffield Wednesday.

His longest run was the 253 matches he managed for Birmingham from 2001 to 2007, winning 93 games. Steve’s winning percentage is 38% and has won no silverware.

The one big thing going in the manager’s favor was that he now he is running the club of his boyhood dreams. Yes, Steve Bruce was getting to play real-life Football Manager with his favorite club.

Home/Newcastle