Jonjo Shelvey has heaped praise on under-fire boss Steve Bruce, saying training has become more enjoyable and the ‘standard has gone up’ as a result since he replaced Rafa Benitez.
Bruce has come under scrutiny amid talk of a potential Saudi takeover, with fans and media questioning whether he would be the right man for the job should the deal be completed.
One man who likes working with Bruce is Shelvey, who has enjoyed a great season under his tutelage, equalling his best ever goals tally in a Newcastle shirt with five.
Here’s what he’s had to say on talkSPORT when asked what it’s been like since Benitez was replaced by Bruce, hinting he prefers the ‘arm around the shoulder’ approach of the latter:
“It’s been great to be fair.
“The training and standard has gone up.
“He’s brought an enjoyment into the training but he’s been great for me.
“He put his arm around me and made me work harder.”
“Every time you get a new manager you feel refreshed and recharged and ready to go again.
“When you get a new manager it’s like the first day back at school.
“Everybody is trying to run around and look busy.
“You want his attention and to try to make an impression.”
England international Shelvey looked to be heading for the exit door under Rafa Benitez, with a move to West Ham seeming likely before the Spaniard’s exit.
Talk of a move away has diminished this season and he has since signed a new three-year extension to commit his services to the club for many more years to come.
Shelvey has in recent weeks spoke of his admiration for the area and how his family are well settled, while on the pitch he has stamped out the discipline issues that caused him to fall out of favour with Benitez in the first place.
When on form he is our best central midfielder by a country mile, so he will still have a pivotal role to play at our club – with or without a takeover.
