Former Mag Ryan Taylor has been on Sky Sports over the weekend discussing the sorry situation at St James’ Park and under fire boss, Steve Bruce.
Not only does Taylor state that the 60-year-old is ‘fighting a battle he can’t win’ – whether that be against unhappy Toon fans or absent owner Mike Ashley – he talks about the negative body language he’s picked up on when watching him on the sidelines.
The ex-NUFC full-back says Bruce’s demeanour ‘doesn’t fill me with confidence’, feeling both this and our ‘frail’ look must change if we’re to win upcoming games against the likes of Leeds, Watford and Wolves.
Speaking on Sky Sports on Sunday, here’s what the former Mag had to say about our shambolic start to 2021/22:
“They do look frail. What’s happening is a repeat of last season.
“It’s going to be a struggle and I just feel like nothing has changed from last season to this season.
“It was going to be a tough game going to Manchester United and the return of Ronaldo, but when you look at Newcastle, United away aren’t the most important games.
“The important games are the home games against ‘their own league’. I watch body language and Steve Bruce doesn’t fill me with confidence when I watch him on the sideline.
“It’s sad because Steve is a great guy but I just feel like he’s fighting a battle he can’t win.
“There’s a lot of unrest at Newcastle at the minute but there’s a lot of games to be played.”
On the subject of Bruce’s body language, it was pretty alarming seeing the was he conducted himself during our penalty shootout defeat to Burnley last month.
Not only was he not part of the huddle just seconds before the spot kicks started, he then stood away from the group and paced the touchline alone with his head down while others stood arm in arm.
He was stung on deadline day and will be reeling from that, but he looks a beaten man and the last person likely to motivate a group of players without a win all season.
