Steve Bruce slams Newcastle criticism over ‘lack of basic respect’ during stint in charge

showed a basic lack of respect” at times. 

Bruce was in charge of Newcastle for a total of 97 games, during which he was regularly berated on all fronts. Indeed, fans often called for change at the top.

And supporters eventually got their wish, with the club securing a Saudi-led takeover which inspired a a change of staff.

After his 1000th game in charge of professional football, Bruce was sacked and was replaced by Eddie Howe.

In an interview conducted by FourFourTwo, Bruce spoke on his time in charge of Newcastle.

“I was under no illusions whatsoever when I arrived at Newcastle,” Bruce said.

“I was becoming part of an unpopular regime and knew I’d be associated with Mike Ashley from day one. And I was replacing Rafael Benitez, who was loved by the fans.

“So, I expected criticism. And yes, some of it was justified. We weren’t pleasing on the eye a lot of the time and there were periods when we really struggled. But the ridicule and the mockery crossed a line. It did hurt me and it upset my family, too.

“After my first match, I was accused of throwing on a substitute and telling him to play where he wanted – then the next week, someone said I didn’t know how to properly warm up the team.

“I was even accused of giving the squad too much time off so I could go off on holiday! Criticism is one thing, but on occasions it got very personal and showed a basic lack of respect.”

The arrival of Howe to Newcastle has been nothing but beneficial for both the club and the fans. The team’s on-pitch performances have improved ten-fold and the fans seem more unified with the club than ever.

Their upturn in fortunes is no doubt linked with their £90 million January spending spree but the positivity Howe brings cannot be bought.

The club