Steve Bruce has insisted that he is not a ‘puppet’ and is ‘in charge of transfers’ at Newcastle United – suggesting it’s ‘nonsense’ that some have reported otherwise.
Given he’s been appointed as ‘head coach’ (not ‘manager’ like Rafa Benitez), coupled with the fact it’s been widely reported that head of recruitment Steve Nickson will now have more influence on the transfer front, it’s fair to say Bruce’s comments have been met with scepticism from fans on social media.
He may have the ‘final say’ to an extent (e.g he said yes to a move for Joelinton as soon as he arrives), but that doesn’t mean he’s the man identifying the targets and getting the exact players he wants.
Here’s what he’s had to say when speaking to the press earlier this morning:
“I don’t really want to go into specifics.
“There are have been a couple of things written, some of the comments.
“The big one is am I going to sit here and be a puppet? That won’t happen. I am in charge of transfers.”
“It’s like most football clubs. I will have the final say on transfers.
“I have read all kinds of nonsense that I won’t. I will work hard to make sure I work with the chief scout.
“The policy is like most other clubs. Identifying the players and making sure we fit in. I will have control of who we bring in.”
A prime example is the Joelinton deal. He was a player offered to Rafa, so someone the CLUB had identified – not Bruce. He may give the ‘green light’, but I’m quite certain he’s not ‘in charge’ – especially when Mike Ashley’s transfer blue print will mean players over the age of 26 are not allowed.
Here’s what Bruce then had to say about potential incomings, saying the club are ‘active’ in the transfer market ‘as we speak’:
“We want to make a couple of acquisitions at least.
“With the loss of Perez and Rondon where we have to immediately take a look.
“Make no mistake we ARE active as we speak. Hopefully, we will get them over the line.”
Rafa was told he was getting a new state of the art academy when he signed too, turns out the walls got new lick of paint, Mike Ashley in a nutshell.
Nufc 11(Quote)
The “I” word is back. A favorite word of Pardew, Carver and McClaren. It drppped from our lexicon while Rafa was here. He used the words “we” and “team”.
William J Powers(Quote)
Just waiting for the next trick ashlie is going to use to get season tickets sold and boycott stopped boycott boycott boycott boycott fat ******* ooooot our club not yours
Larry toon hants(Quote)
STEVE BRUCE says he is not going to be ASHLEY’S PUPPET !!!
NO BECAUSE YOU’RE ALREADY HIS KISS **** ***** MUPPET !!!
NEWS OF 1 NEW STRIKER COMING IN !!!! ONE NEW PLAYER IS NEVER GOING TO BE GOOD ENOUGH WE NEED 5 OR 6 NEW PLAYERS.
ALL THOSE RETURNING FROM BEING ON LOAN SHOULD HAVE BEEN STRAIGHT OUT OF THE EXIT .THEY ARE NO WHERE GOOD ENOUGH.
LOOK AT BRUCE’S MANAGERIAL STATISTICS , THEY ARE ABYSMAL, AND SHOWS EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE HEADING, WITH THIS SQUAD OF PLAYERS.
Quick stop for a season in the Championship on our way to Division 1
Allan(Quote)
Somebody save us put us out of our misery TOP that fat ******* ASHLEY
Allan(Quote)
There are at least 5 people ahead of Bruce in Transfer in and outs
1) M ASHLEY THE FCB
2) J BARNES THE SPIN LIAR
3)S NICKSON PUPPET
4) G CARR YES HE IS BACK AGAIN MUCH MORE FUNNY THAN ALAN EXCEPT WE HAVE HIM HERE
5) L CHARNLEY ASHLEYS **** WIPER
steve(Quote)
I think Bruce will find it’s the guy who holds the purse strings (Ashley) who always has final say on transfers. Also, he will also find (like Keegan, Benitez) that promises made by Ashley to him now are not worth a thing!
Sam Pawar(Quote)
“Over the line”. Hahahahaha, Penfold speak.
sickandtired(Quote)
I’m not a puppet . Can see the strings now Stevie boy boycott boycott boycott ashleyoot
davep(Quote)