A message to NUFC fans ahead of Steve Bruce’s ‘imminent’ appointment..

So, Steve Bruce’s appointment is now considered ‘imminent’ and he’s expected to be announced in the next 48 hours as the new manager of Newcastle United.

The abuse directed at him has been widespread and will only get bigger, with many justifiably outraged at the idea of an incompetent ex-Sunderland boss replacing Rafa Benitez, however I think it’s a good time to remember who the real enemy is here – Mike Ashley.

I am not suggesting we should now turn up in our thousands at St James’ Park and get behind Bruce (we should do the exact opposite!), but we must now allow our anger and frustration to be directed at the symptom, Steve Bruce, when it’s the disease, Mike Ashley, that’s really responsible for the shambolic summer we’ve been forced to endure.

This is the man who’s stripped us of all hope and excitement for the new season, not Bruce.

This is the man who’s let us believe a takeover could’ve been in the offing without a single shred of communication all summer, not Bruce.

This is the man who made no genuine attempt to keep world class manager Rafa Benitez, not Bruce.

This is the man who refused to sign Rondon and has failed to replace our £30m top scorer with just weeks of the window left, not Bruce.

This is the man who’s yet to sanction one signing so far this summer, not Bruce.

This is the man destroying our club, stripping us of our assets and betraying legends, not Bruce.

This is the man who laughs in our faces and continues to crush our dreams just to earn a few quid, not Bruce.

This is the man who’s made our replica shirt the most expensive in England and upped season ticket prices, not Bruce.

Many will question a man taking the job under an owner who has done all of the above, but Bruce – a Geordie and boyhood Newcastle fan who’s been out of the top flight for years – was never going to turn down this offer.

Bruce is an absolutely unforgivable Rafa Benitez replacement, because of his managerial record more so than his time at Sunderland, but it’s vital we remember that Mike Ashley is the real enemy here.

If we allow Ashley to get away with this, he’ll genuinely believe he can get away with absolutely anything, with this summer being the lowest of the low – and that’s saying something after 12 years of misery and mistakes.

As a result, we must make a stand. Time to #BoycottArsenal, #BoycottSJP and #SupportOurToon.

Let’s empty the stands and fill the city on the opening day of the season next month, with us urging fans to watch the game with friends / family in local bars or pubs – a way of supporting local businesses and enjoying matchday’s WITHOUT lining Mike Ashley’s pockets.

With a takeover ‘stalling’ and Steve Bruce lined up, the situation couldn’t be clearer – It’s time to hit Ashley where it hurts and make some short term sacrifices in a bid to get our club back.

Let’s take a stand – together!

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

122 thoughts on “A message to NUFC fans ahead of Steve Bruce’s ‘imminent’ appointment..

  1. Pete Graves

    Verified account

    @PeteGravesSky
    5h5 hours ago
    More Pete Graves Retweeted The Mag
    I’ll always staunchly defend people I care about. That’s just my nature. John and Shola (and Kevin) are all good people. You disagree with their viewpoints that’s fine. It’s the vitriolic anger I can’t accept.Pete Graves added,

    The Mag

    @NUFCTheMag
    Sky Sports come out in defence of John Carver and Shola Ameobi after embarrassing comments #nufc http://bit.ly/2Ll12aa
    189 replies 5 retweets 188 likes
    Reply 189 Retweet 5 Like 188

    Michael Chopra

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    5h5 hours ago
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    Mate Shola is employed by the club so he cant say anything bad and JC is probably mates with Steve Bruce

    43 replies 138 retweets 915 likes
    Reply 43 Retweet 138 Like 915

    Pete Graves

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    5h5 hours ago
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    Of course there’s probably some truth in that Chops, but I just hate seeing good guys who love Nufc getting slated by the fans.

    67 replies 0 retweets 9 likes
    Reply 67 Retweet Like 9

    Michael Chopra

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    Replying to @PeteGravesSky
    Understand what you’re saying mate, Steve Bruce will be a yes man to MA, do you think Mourinho, Ranieri, Gerrard and Vieira would put up with the lies and bullshit that comes with MA? So he will take the easy option and cheapest. Us fans just want what is best for our club.

    3:50 AM – 14 Jul 2019

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  2. Well said Chopra ??????

    It amazes me how these pundits don’t see that people an agenda, or alternate motive for making their comments.

    Surely any sports person, commentator/pundit, sports writer/journalist gets into that industry primarily for their love of sport – and surely if you are in any of those professions and worth your salt, you can see what Ashley is doing is completely wrong.

    Kim – sorry to here about your arthritis. Hope you manage to get it under control.

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  3. The problem with twitter and Eds for that matter is that if you say anything even slightly different to their narrative they will shout you down. You can only say Ashley is a tw@t so many times before it gets a bit boring. 2 or 3 times a day is about right and then discuss something else.

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  4. What happens if Bruce decides it isn’t worth the hassle? Do we go back for Gerrard and Arteta who each carry their own risks, inexperience being foremost?

    JOHN TERRY ???

    Our options are pretty limited.

    What a mess.

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  5. The strange thing that is going on is that Ashley is putting in a Geordie Management team. Is Nickson a Geordie? Then with the return of Carr. Bruce, Shola, even Charnley.

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  6. Eric Sykes:
    The strange thing that is going on is that Ashley is putting in a Geordie Management team. Is Nickson a Geordie? Then with the return of Carr. Bruce, Shola, even Charnley.

    Eric – the problem with that theory of course is that the FIVE managers considered prior to settling on Bruce – who still isn’t get in post – weren’t Geordies.

    The other thing worth remembering is that as the compensation has yet to be sorted – have terms and wages even been discussed with Bruce?!.
    There is still a very real risk that Bruce says ‘no thank you’, I’m better off at Shef Wed.

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  7. Sharpy: it was just something I had noticed that IF, and it is a big IF, Bruce arrives that it will be just about all Geordie Management and Backroom.

    I am not happy with Bruce, but Ashley has overplayed his hand again as he did with Rafa and now we have very few options. I think there is a very good chance that if this drags on even 2 more days that Bruce will withdraw his name. The Sheffield fans still seem behind him.

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  8. Eric Sykes:
    Sharpy: it was just something I had noticed that IF, and it is a big IF, Bruce arrives that it will be just about all Geordie Management and Backroom.

    I am not happy with Bruce, but Ashley has overplayed his hand again as he did with Rafa and now we have very few options. I think there is a very good chance that if this drags on even 2 more days that Bruce will withdraw his name. The Sheffield fans still seem behind him.

    Eric – I know mate, I think we are all trying to understand or apply some logic to it – I know I have.
    But the reality is that we are where we are because there has been NO plan – as opposed to what you’re suggesting mate.

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  9. Sharpy: I am NOT suggesting there was any plan to have geordies, it is just how it worked out. Knowing Ashley it was the cheapest option as his cockney pals would be used to a London weighting 🙂

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  10. I see the papers are now saying that Schär is the latest player looking for a move – with his representatives speaking to AC Milan.

    I’ll be really annoyed if he and Dubravka push for a move this window like. I understand the club is in a mess, but there is such a thing as loyalty. This angling for moves stinkers imo.

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  11. I am so glad I do not have to make a decision on whether to boycott SJP. Even the fan groups are saying not to avoid the game, watch in a pub instead. Their idea is that the empty seats will shame Ashley in Sky’s eyes and lead to less televised games. I have read quite a bit on this and some are under the delusion that it will hit Ashley financially but most are not. The idea is to make a statement but they are so disorganized I think it still might blow up in their face despite this latest ridiculous slap in the face and disdain for the fans from the Fat Man.

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  12. I do have a massive problem with certain fans and groups trying to bully others into a boycott. Their shallow claims that everyone is free to make up their own mind are contradicted by their statements on twitter, fan forums and other blogs – I can think of 2 in particular, Eds and The Mag.

    There is a lot of bullying and shaming going on out there for something that is a personal choice. I will have to read Olly’s statements on this again to see if he has joined this gang.

    I have seen calls for firebombing SD stores and picketing Charnley’s house (bringing his family into it) even giving his address out. I have seen calls that this is like the miners strike and anybody going to SJP are scabs. Some of this is out of control no matter what you think of Ashley.

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  13. I am not against the boycott either. I just find the bullying to be out of order. I think it will be disorganized and badly (un)attended if past efforts are anything to go to. But I despise the fat slug and cannot think anything better. I just cannot get fully behind it because I don’t think it will make any difference to Ashley. He is a dictator and does what he wants. Again, above all else I object to the bullying, and the boors and bores doing it.

    I will change the subject… Dwight Gayle.

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  14. Now that Perez has gone I think we should keep Dwight. He wasn’t given the games in the PL by Rafa because of his hamstring and Rafa wanted to keep him but was given a one or the other choice by Fatty and chose Rondon. His only other PL manager was Pards and he usually brought him on as a sub.

    I think with VAR Gayle will get us quite a few penalties and if he takes them he will get double figures. And what do you get for 20 million in this market?

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  15. Could this be a bigger farce?

    Yes! How about this happens on Wednesday:

    Steve Bruce declares he is staying at Sheffield Wednesday

    BZG announce any takeover deal is off because Ashley moved the goalposts

    John Terry hired as NUFC Manager.

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  16. Sharpy – the club also have an obligation to the players to at least try and improve and achieve something. If they’re not then the players have every right to want to leave. I’m pretty sure they weren’t told this would happen when they signed.

    I’m pretty certain that we go back now to being a stepping stone club. Players will be sold that too.

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  17. Stuart79:
    Sharpy – the club also have an obligation to the players to at least try and improve and achieve something. If they’re not then the players have every right to want to leave. I’m pretty sure they weren’t told this would happen when they signed.

    I’m pretty certain that we go back now to being a stepping stone club. Players will be sold that too.

    Stu – every rat is entitled to try and survive the sinking ship – but they are still a rat.

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  18. I see Lewis Dunk is going to Leicester for £45m. That shows the transfer market were in. I can’t see anything else but abject failure.

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  19. So he’s Maguire’s replacement and £30m saved. Good business in my eyes. I don’t rate Maguire very highly.

    I will be beyond angry if we lose Schar and Dubravka. As things stand if we get two strikers in we haven’t lost that much momentum, apart from Rafa. And he had some weird predilictions, like 29 starts for Joselu when every fan could see he wasn’t up to it but got chosen ahead of Mitro and Gayle. Maybe Lazaar has got more to offer and Aarons is certainly preferable to Murphy.

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  20. So Bruce and his coaches have all resigned from SW. That’s it then he’s coming to NUFC.
    The report also states we haven’t come to any agreement with SW. Do we need to if he’s now a free agent. Why would we have to pay SW?

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  21. Bruce resigning is not surprising. He did it at Palace but they took an injunction out against him. I assume Wednesday will still get some money but not as much as they wanted. Bruce will never be able to stop a player leaving now will he… Would look hypocritical but then again I don’t suppose we will be trying too hard to keep them if their value is met.

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  22. Sharpy17: Stu – every rat is entitled to try and survive the sinking ship – but they are still a rat.

    Even if the ship is sinking due to the owner drilling holes in the ship? Should they stay and die?

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  23. Stuart79: Even if the ship is sinking due to the owner drilling holes in the ship? Should they stay and die?

    Well I don’t expect them to gnaw at that hole and make it bigger!.

    How about pick a bucket up. Stick together with team mates and say – nowt we can do about what Ashley’s doing off field. But let’s stick together and fight for each other and the fans on field ??‍♂️

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  24. Joselu Mato

    @JoseluMato9
    Dear Newcastle United Fans, the time has come to say goodbye. I just can say THANK YOU. Incredible Stadium, city, Club and people. Wish you all the best for the upcoming season.

    Good luck lad, you’re well out of it.

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  25. kimtoon:
    Joselu Mato

    @JoseluMato9Dear Newcastle United Fans, the time has come to say goodbye. I just can say THANK YOU. Incredible Stadium, city, Club and people. Wish you all the best for the upcoming season.

    Good luck lad, you’re well out of it.

    Kim – yeah good luck to him. There was a reason why he was Stoke reserves prior to us. He worked hard, just didn’t have the quality.

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  26. kimtoon:
    Rondon linking up with Rafa in China then.

    Kim – Rondon seems to have been a big part of Rafas plans. I’m sure he’s not the only reason, but I better he was the straw that broken the camels back in him staying on at NUFC.

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  27. Not happy with Bruce, but attacking him for resigning is a total double standard. Clubs sack managers all of the time and nothing is said. It seems obvious that this has been engineered by Ashley, but who cares. The resignation does not show disloyalty as there is no loyalty in football anyway.

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  28. B!tching about Bruce resigning made me think of Palermo who had like 30 managers in 5 years including hiring and firing the same guy about 4 or 5 times. It is really funny to me how some fans use the facts to suit their own agenda.

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  29. But what happens now? It looks like the takeover is almost certainly dead and that means dead for other buyers as surely they will now realise it is not even worth talking to Ashley.

    Can Bruce keep most of the present squad together? Probably. It might be an issue of time as there will only be a couple of weeks left when they get back from China. He has worked with Hayden before so I expect Isaac will get offered a new contract. Schar will probably get a new contract as well.

    Prices are so inflated that the first thing on the Agenda is keeping the good players you already have. I know that is stating the obvious.

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  30. Then there is the boycott. It seems to have gained some momentum but the catalyst may be non-renewal of season tickets. A few signings and that might change.

    Still, the boycotters have more chance than ever before. I am still in 2 minds because of the toxic atmosphere it creates making relegation a self fulfilling prophecy. But, also because I don’t think there is any way they will force Ashley out. He is a dictator and does what he pleases.

    They still have like 30 groups and websites and hashtags and could not organize a p!ss up in a brewery although there do seem to be a lot signing up under NUST. The price of a pound a year may have something to do with it but I will try not to be cynical. At least as a member you would get the newsletter etc. and know of events they are doing.

    As I have said before, I am just glad I do not have to make the choice of whether to boycott or not. I will probably go to the pub to watch which is what the fan groups are saying to do anyway.

    So, from afar a boycott does no affect me personally apart form if it affects results. I would hate to see anybody go too far and get arrested. And especially for being an idiot and doing something like throwing a brick through Charnley’s window. There are a lot of emotions being stirred up and there are a lot of nutters out there no matter what people say about peaceful protests only.

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  31. Apparently there’s a drop of 14,000 season ticket renewals. That’s a big hit and hopefully Arsenal will only have about 25,000 fans there.

    Although Jabba will 100% be expecting a few signings to make people start going again. Results will put paid to that in my view. We probably won’t have a win in the first ten games. We will go down this season. I can’t see anything else and currently anybody who would think we can stay up would in my opinion be on drugs.

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  32. Ashley is so arrogant because he is so used to everything going his way in the business world. That is changing. I have mentioned before that Sports Shops seem to be going great and be household names until they aren’t. Dixons, Lillywhites. The internet has sped up the life cycle and he better be priceng those Nike trainers lower than anybody else because you can price compare with only a few clicks.

    I was in a 150 year old department store in Chicago last week and there was nobody in it. Their main competitor went bust a few years ago and are now multi use – I walked past it, it is up the road. That is the only way to go but Mikey doesn’t own the H of F buildings. I had thought he might do deal with the owners. We will see.

    I think there is a chance he will lose his empire. After all House of Fraser were valued at more than Sports Direct only a few years ago and he picked them up for 60 million. He lost more than that today on he stock market because of what H of F are doing to the SD accounts.

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  33. Stuart79:
    Apparently there’s a drop of 14,000 season ticket renewals. That’s a big hit and hopefully Arsenal will only have about 25,000 fans there.

    Although Jabba will 100% be expecting a few signings to make people start going again. Results will put paid to that in my view. We probably won’t have a win in the first ten games. We will go down this season. I can’t see anything else and currently anybody who would think we can stay up would in my opinion be on drugs.

    Stu – according to the news share prices for SD are down 9% too.

    Couldn’t happen to a nicer bloke. I know how he could make £350m though ??

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  34. I suppose you could call Bruce a journeyman but beating him with the stick that he hasn’t won anything is a bit of a stretch. Who has actually won anything that hasn’t managed the big 6? And even then, Poch hasn’t won a thing. Allardyce hasn’t won anything. Apart from Ranieri, the trophies have almost exclusively gone to a few teams. The PL, FA Cup, CL and Europa League are won by the same few teams year after year.

    Depends on how much you value the league cup as there have been a few outliers there.

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  35. I am not sticking up for Bruce either. He is the absolute proof that Ashley, Charnley and Carr have gone back to their old ways/blueprint. I do object to people twisting facts and stats to suit their Agenda. I have said this before but comparing Rafa;s Liverpool record with Bruce’s PL record is unfair.

    Rafa points per game last 2 seasons = 1.17

    Bruce PL points per game = 1.12

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  36. Sharpy: see what I wrote above. Fatty is buying stuff that is already dead like House of Fraser. Unless it is a property play then he will lose all of his money. It has been happening here for a bit longer and nobody has made it work except to sell or repurpose the buildings – and they still lost the bulk of their money.

    I also really believe he will be squeezed on SD on the internet side. He might be able to keep his tat shops because the only things that seem to survive here are the ultra high end and low end. Even they will lose out to the internet to an extent.

    I hadn’t even been in a Department Store in 10 years and only went in to Macy’s downtown Chicago to have a look. Oldest Department store in the world and it was empty. Literally about 5 people in there.

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  37. Sharpy, yeah i think Rafa not getting Rondon will of really pissed him off, he obviously rates him, i certainly did, i knew he’d do well for us. Just really glad he’s not at one of our rivals tbh.

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  38. Eric – it’s the same here mate. Dept stores are a thing of the past but it’s not called Sports Direct. com for nothing. However nothing would give me more pleasure than his whole empire going tits up.

    Do we believe the Joelinton stories? Has anybody seen him play. Seems nobody else is interested in him. Hmmm.

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  39. Joelinton will be another player who is looking at it being a stepping stone. Another brick in the wall of relegation.

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  40. Yet another day of speculation and nonsense at SJP thanks to continued p!ssing about by our decision makers ?.

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