Alex Bruce has today spoken out about the level of abuse his dad, Steve Bruce, receives on social media.
In his latest interview, that sees him jump to the defence of his father, Bruce junior insists that the criticism he receives is “unfair” and makes a “massive, massive difference.”
The NUFC boss recently stated that he ignores social media and doesn’t pay any attention to the “keyboard warriors” within our fanbase – but his son feels sure it makes his job much tougher.
Here’s what he’s had to say about it all today:
“I do think the stick he gets is unfair, but it’s also unfair on a lot of Premier League managers.
“You look at the criticism and abuse they get on social media and it makes a massive difference.
“Social media gives people this platform and for a job that was already tough, it makes it even harder.
“Previously, fans on the outside didn’t have such a level of influence but now they do and it’s something managers and players have to deal with
“You look at the criticism and abuse they get on social media and it makes a massive difference.
“Social media gives people this platform and for a job that was already tough, it makes it even harder.
“Previously, fans on the outside didn’t have such a level of influence but now they do and it’s something managers and players have to deal with.
“So while he (Steve Bruce) does get a lot of criticism, he is enjoying it, Newcastle is his team – everyone knows that’s where he’s from and he’s looking to do the best job possible to ensure the fans are happy!”
I don’t think there’s any place for personal abuse – whether you rate the job a football manager is doing or not – however it is part and parcel of the job that those in the firing line will be questioned and critiqued should they fall below fan expectations.
What doesn’t help is the fact so many pundits and mates of Steve Bruce’s in the media give him an easy ride, consistently ignoring the very fair points us fans raise on social media or radio call-ins.
Social media can be a toxic place where faceless accounts say what they want without any consequences, but there’s a big difference between abuse and criticism – and it feels to me Steve Bruce can’t take the latter.
As soon as he’s rightfully questioned on tactics or recent performances he jumps on the defensive, something that only fuels frustration amongst Newcastle United fans.
In the end, Bruce has probably got off lightly, with the level of criticism likely to have gone up another level had fans been allowed in stadiums this season!
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Knew exactly what he was in for.
An ex-Mackem manager replacing Rafa Benitez ..
plus he’s Ashley’s man .. nobody else with any credibility could stomach the terms of employment.
Then there’s the quotes … never wanted to be Newcastle manager … #shapeshiftingcreep
Wages are better than Sheff Wed. .. so screw them too ..
The guy just reeks of class … makes me puke
He’s lucky the stadiums empty.
g f(Quote)
g f – I disagree completely.
If fans were in SJP the social media criticism could be put into context.
For over 30 years I’ve watched fans fill that stadium & travel on mass around the Country supporting the team & managers – whether that be in the PL or Championship.
It’s only been the last few years that it’s dropped off by around 10k.
But our fans get behind the team & manager on game day. That entitles them to criticise when we play badly.
What Alex has to recognise is that his Dad says himself that his biggest annoyance is the lack consistency from the players.
Well firstly, why is it so difficult to accept that it also annoys the fans too?!
Secondly, why is it so difficult to understand that the consistency comes from the manager & his staff?!.
He came in saying he’s a Geordie and understands what the fans want & the type of football they want to see – then has us bottom of every stat table.
Personally, I was no big fan of Rafa so had no issue with him leaving. Bruce wouldn’t have been my first choice replacement, but I was happy to give him a chance. He lost Rondon & Perez so was always going to be a tough start.
But he’s had money spent & has some decent players there now.
It’s on him to get the best out of them & to his own admission he’s not. So stop twisting about fans having an opinion & focus on getting your players performing more consistently better – then, who knows, maybe the fans might have some more positive comments for you.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Bruceless should focus on front foot football and not social media! A total clown and a man of no morals or spine! We had many sh*te managers that kowtow to Ashley as they can’t get a job elsewhere. However Steve left Sheff Wednesday in the lurch when they bent over backwards to accommodate him. Therefore I will never treat him with respect even if he takes SDFC to Wembley. Also an utter clown when it comes to man management and tactics.
LA Toon(Quote)
I think Bruce is being unfairly treated , he’s making do with wat he’s got yes Bruce hasnt had much success with the clubs he’s been at but he’s never had the money at any club to spend . If Newcastle ever get bought by someone who’s willing to put money into the club then give Bruce a chance he deserves that. He’s never had the luxury of having money to buy big players at any club he’s been with .so give him a chance.
Philip Wilson(Quote)
I love the way that we have nothing to say about the pundits until they say something we disagree with.
They have decades of experience, mingle with the superstars of the game and have the kind of insight that we mere fans could only dream of, yet as soon as our team does badly, Bruce is a clueless idiot.
“…so many pundits and mates of Steve Bruce’s in the media give him an easy ride, consistently ignoring the very fair points us fans raise on social media or radio call-ins.”
The fact is that the fans know nothing about what goes on on the training ground and inside the club. Most peculiarly they ARE fully aware of the restrictions imposed on Bruce by Ashley yet still blame Bruce for everything.
Isn’t it possible that the the pundits who are involved in the game on a daily basis and know what’s happening are right and the fans, being just fans are uninformed and not in a position to make the calls they make?
Rafa was keen to continually remind us how bad the squad was, and how, if we stayed up it would be down solely to his own personal genius. Bruce, while doing as well, if not better than Rafa, just gets on with it while taking serious stick from deluded fans who think we should be doing better.
I think that as fans we were spoiled by Keegan’s Entertainers. We won games, topped the league and were treated to exciting attacking football – but with an appalling defence. Despite the fans’ ranting not every club gets that, and it’s something that, for most clubs, comes along only once in a blue moon.
With the team we have at the moment we are at best a mid table team.
So for all of these fans shouting for Bruce to be sacked, who do you think Ashley will bring in to replace him? It’s not going to be Poch or anyone anywhere near that level.
Beware what you wish for, oh you wonderful deluded masses. You might get it.
BykerBill(Quote)