A month ago, The Telegraph reported that Mike Ashley was in no mood to sack Steve Bruce, believing it was just the “vocal minority” who had an issue with the Newcastle United boss.
While results from polls on social media can never represent all NUFC fans, popular Twitter page @NUFC360 asked Toon supporters a simple question after Tuesday night’s cup exit at Brentford – “Do you want Steve Bruce to be sacked”.
Over 27,000 votes later, the final result is pretty one-sided, with just shy of 77% saying they wanted to see the back of him:
Considering over 90% had voted ‘Yes’ 20,000 votes into the poll, it makes you wonder if a few NUFC-obsessed Mackems got in on the action in an attempt to rig the result!
That said, even if 77% of a full St James’ Park were calling for Steve Bruce’s head, that would be over 40,000 unhappy Mags who have seen enough. Put it that way and it’s quite clear how the Newcastle United fanbase feel after Tuesday’s no show!
Here are some of the comments than emerged from those who voted:
“Yes but not now because the next 3 games are impossible. Let him take the fall.. I don’t want the idiots on TV saying “look they gut worse after Bruce was sacked he was 12th”.
“Name a manager who would actually make us worse (except John carver)…”
“I can confirm it’s a resounding ‘yes’ from me. He can’t **** *** soon enough. Absolutely abysmal. Single handedly destroyed the mentality of the squad.”
“If he is sacked I pray we get someone like Eddie Howe. I really like Eddie even though he was relegated with Bournemouth. He is really good at making average players play well and he knows Ritchie, Fraser and Wilson.”
“Yes but the solution isn’t just a new manager it’s a big change. Which serious manager would take the job knowing Ashley is staying.“
“Anyone thinking Eddie Howe is a good replacement for Bruce hadn’t watched much of Bournemouth in their relegation season. Such a bad side. We need someone with drive and some fresh ideas to bring to the club.”
“Shambles of a manager, ruining a very talented squad with no tactics and no direction.”
“Pointless it’s just rinse & repeat ,Ashley won’t bring anyone in who wants to move the club forward.”
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Couldn’t care less. What’s the point of sacking Bruce when Ashley is more than capable of replacing him with someone even worse!
The club is never going to do any better until the owner leaves.
sickandtired(Quote)
I’ll start with NUFC360 – oh yes, that bastion of neutrality.
A bit like asking the Labour party what they think of Boris.
I think it sums up the mentality of some of the fans responding to this “poll” that a number of them want to replace Bruce, who against all predictions kept us quite comfortably in the Prem, with Eddie Howe, who was relegated with Bournemouth, and they justify it by claiming that he can get more out of players.
More? Really? How much more is finishing 14th, 16th and relegation?
And as was mentioned previously about our cup exit – Rafa did a lot worse, and this time we were knocked out by a team who have other Premier League scalps, including Southampton who are currently sitting in 7th.
Bruce could have made the final and would have been pilloried for losing on penalties to Man City, simply because fans have decided they don’t like him
These polls are pointless. Just another excuse for the mob to inadequately express an opinion they read somewhere else.
What these “fans” actually complained about was not a “system” or a “philosophy” which can be attributed to the manager, it was actually the performance of the players. You could see the frustration of Carroll with his team mates when he came on and started trying to shoot from anywhere.
Can you honestly blame Bruce because Almiron is off form? Can you blame Bruce because Lewis felt it was safer to pass back to the keeper from 20 yards inside their half? I could go on and on.
The problem with the team at the moment is not Bruce, it’s the players.
Whether it’s lack of training, COVID, missing players or a dozen other things the fans choose to ignore – the players have to step up and take responsibility.
Helen Clarey(Quote)
Yes you can blame Bruce he selects players formation etc he has drained confidence out of players almiron for example been in and out of team because of formation changes not due to performance
Lewis passes backwards due to no options and movement up front
If Rafa was in charge do you think we would lose so poorly to Brentford
Bruce has lost dressing room you can see in players performances
I cant believe 23% want Bruce to stay
Sid(Quote)
Helen, NUFC360 is the biggest NUFC fan account on Twitter, not a Sunderland account!
Absolutely ridiculous comment.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Helen
Having played football at quite a high level in this country I find your comments regarding players a bit disturbing due to the following
Players are asked to play formations and positions usually the positions they are brought into the club to play,every now and again you may be asked to fill in due to injuries but not play out of position every week
Players do care about the clubs they play for as playing poorly can result in you not moving up the ladder to a better club,
Players do voice there opinions but if you do it constantly you find yourself out of the squad and team were all you want to do is play
Like any form of work you do you try your best because attitude counts and so dose effort
Dave(Quote)