Almost one year on from his appointment, Alan Shearer believes Steve Bruce has “definitely” done as good a job as Rafa Benitez did during his time on Tyneside.
Speaking on Match of The Day last night, the former Newcastle United no.9 was full of praise for the current boss, believing he’s doing “as good a job as anyone could have done” based on the squad at his disposal.
This comes after a win and a draw over the past week has taken us up to 39 points and 12 clear of the drop zone, with the current tally being more than any Newcastle manager has accumulated at this stage of the season since 2013/14.
Here’s what he told Gary Lineker following last night’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa:
“I think, with the squad that he has got, he’s doing as good a job as anyone could have done,”
“39 points with seven games left, got the quarter-finals of the FA Cup which we’ll see on Sunday, so I think he’s doing a very good job and they shouldn’t have to warm to him.
“It was only because of the circumstances in which he was given the job but, with the team that’s he has got, and the position that he’s in, he’s done well.”
When asked if he’s done as good as job as Rafa Benitez did during his time on Tyneside, Shearer said:
“Absolutely.
“Definitely, definitely..”
Personally, I don’t buy this idea that the squad he has to work with is poor. After all, we have one of the league’s best goalkeepers, several top centre-backs, some talented central midfielders, a few industrious wingers in Ritchie and Almiron and an electric talent in Saint-Maximin.
Yes Joelinton has struggled, with our lack of goals in attack the biggest issue, but there’s plenty quality for Steve Bruce to work with – certainly much more than Benitez had in our first year back following promotion.
That said, there can be no disputing that Bruce has done a very solid job. It’s been tough on the eye at times and we’ve rode our luck, but he’s kept the players motivated and stabilised a club I was convinced would go down last summer.
Ironically, Steve Bruce was advised by Shearer to REJECT the job last summer, with him clearly eager not to see his good friend get burnt by Mike Ashley just as he did.
That said, it seems like it may be potential new owners who could spoil Bruce’s stint at St James’ Park if anyone does – not Mr. Ashley!
IF a takeover goes through, I don’t think Bruce is the man to take us forward, but he deserves a real pat on the back for steadying what felt like a sinking ship after Rafa, Rondon and Perez’s exits.
IMO Bruce has done a better job than Rafa!.. better record, without a doubt more entertaining to watch and the players are playing for him! Bruce deserves the opportunity to continue in his role!
Mikey(Quote)
I agree. If the takeover happens I would give Bruce a chance.
I don’t agree we have talented midfielders. That is our weakest area along with our No 9 of course.
Harry(Quote)
Oh dear – there’s going to be some sore heads after this one.
Shearer is God. Everything Shearer says is the truth! Shearer says Bruce has done as good as Rafa!
When they wake up at lunchtime poor little Toon supporter heads will be exploding all over Tyneside !
Helen Clarey(Quote)