Steve Bruce has been named the Premier League’s manager of the month for April – the first time he’s won the award in his 23-years in football management.
This comes after our sudden turnaround in form last month, with us beating Burnley in a relegation six-pointer at Turf Moor, taking all three points against Champions League chasing West Ham and coming from behind to earn vital draws with both Tottenham and Liverpool.
He may remain an unpopular figure amongst NUFC fans and is by no means the answer moving forward, but this is well deserved for me.
After all, I thought we were guaranteed to go down after that 3-0 battering at Brighton, yet we responded with some big performances and 8 precious points just when we were all fearing the worst.
Here’s the official announcement, featuring some words from Steve Bruce himself, via NUFC.co.uk:
Steve Bruce has won the Premier League’s Barclays manager of the month award for April.
The Newcastle United head coach guided his team to eight points from their four matches as the Magpies went unbeaten and took a huge step towards securing top-flight safety, which was eventually achieved this month.
His side fought back from losing positions to earn draws with Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool and beat Burnley, as well as impressively overcoming Champions League-chasing West Ham at St. James’ Park.
Bruce beat Marcelo Bielsa of Leeds United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of Manchester United and Sam Allardyce of West Bromwich Albion to the award.
He told nufc.co.uk: “For me to win is a reflection on the players and my staff. They work tirelessly, and without them there’s no award to win.
“I’m delighted, and I want to thank them sincerely.”
Credit where credit is due. I admit, I’m critical of Bruce and his tactical ineptitude.
He has some decent players in that squad and they should be nowhere near relegation.
I guess the thing now is to see if he can sustain this form for the rest of the season and beyond (if he stays!)
David B(Quote)
This award should removed from S.B. And handed to Graham Jones the coach who has been instrumental in the improvement in performances since his arrival
Bruce’s first presentation In his life of management ? We wonder why ????how many years 23
George Johnson(Quote)
This award should be removed from Steve Bruce and presented to Graham Jones the coach who has been instrumental in the marked improvement in performances since his arrival.
Bruce’s first award in his lifetime of management? We wonder why ??? Well no we don’t we have been watching his NONE performance all season . 😀
Patricia Johnson(Quote)
The Johnson’s need to grow up and give credit where it is due I think.
Another pair that think Jones is mastermind behind everything – yet fail to question why, if he was SO influential, why is he only working at NUFC & for a someone so (in their eyes) inept as Steve Bruce??? – really, question it!!.
If he’s half the coach you have him out to be, why isn’t he with Pep, or Tuchel masterminding the winning of a Champions League??.
Congratulations Brucey, you aren’t the manager I’d choose but you’ve had a very good month and kept us clear of relegation – an award well deserved … now do it consistently.
Sharpy17(Quote)
DRINK! DRINK! Don’t Bruce has got the nerve to accept the MotM award!
Show’s just how deluded he is on his abilities = talk about mismanagement over the past 2 year’s!
Then we have his Daughter Alex’a crying to the press in the hope the publicly gets him a job where one can be useless and get millions when the club realises what a complete numpty he is!
Wish they both will be gone ASAP
KK(Quote)