Luke Edwards – a journalist for The Telegraph and chief cheerleader for Steve Bruce – put out what he claims to be a ‘killer stat’ on BBC Radio 5 Live last night, explaining why peoples perceptions are all wrong when comparing the current NUFC boss to Brighton’s Graham Potter.
He reveals that Bruce actually has a better record at Newcastle than Potter has at Brighton since both took over their current jobs, also pointing out that he’s helped us finish above the Seagulls in each of his two seasons on Tyneside.
Edwards feels Potter is someone Toon fans would happily take as the next NUFC manager – and I think he’d be right in saying that – but to suggest our perceptions are all wrong considering he’d be replacing a man with a ‘better record’ is unbelievably short sighted.
Here’s what he had to say, followed by some responses from Newcastle fans who’ve quickly torn apart Edwards’ feeble attempt to protect his mate:
You only need to look at the comments to the post above to see why Edwards’ argument doesn’t really hold up.
Here’s what Newcastle fans said in response:
I wonder if both Potter and Bruce were sacked tomorrow, which one would get a job PL first. Potter could be looking up the table for a vacancy while Bruce would be eyeing up midtable Championship teams, that’s Bruceys level and his heading there soon enough.
If Brighton had an out and out quality striker over the last 2/3 years they would be comfortable mid table maybe even top 10 . They difference in their style of play tactics and organisation is like chalk and cheese. But don’t let that get in the way Luke
On paper I’d say we have a better squad than Brighton though. Bruce clearly isn’t getting the best out of the players. Not a single one has improved under him. There’s no plan. Nobody knows what they’re doing. Hayden is attacking midfield one week and centre back another. Under Rafa it wasn’t pretty (as it isn’t under Bruce) but at least we could do something well; defend and be organised. We do nothing well under Bruce.
I don’t think I’ve ever gone out of my way to say Brighton are doing really well or the manager is xyz. If anything, I question why they get this “but they’re great watch tag” so much. The perception of Potter doesn’t mean you change that of Bruce. The world doesn’t work that way.
Brighton currently have 9 points and the last two times we played them we got hammered 3-0 each time. That’s why what Luke said is just wrong.
Graham potter is such an underrated manager. Brighton look well drilled and very easy on the eye. If they had a Callum Wilson no doubt they’d be in the top 10 every year.
Steve Bruce (with a better squad) has a marginally better record (debatable) than Graeme potter. Inspiring stuff…
I feel for Luke at this stage, the lengths this man will go to just to keep his guy Bruce in a job. Not sure any football fan in the world would say Bruce is doing a better job than Potter. Just watch Brighton play and then watch Newcastle, there’s no comparison what so ever.
Potter would be a huge upgrade on Bruce. It’s apparent watching Brighton that there’s a clear philosophy and style of play. Bruce’s NUFC are a mess. I doubt a championship club would employ him these days
If Potter did leave Brighton to progress, there is no chance Ashworth or Bloom would even entertain the thought of hiring Bruce. Ask yourself why. It may be a results business but XG for last season shows Brighton play better / more entertaining/ attacking football.
“Steve Bruce has the marginally better record.” The stats you presented had Bruce averaging 1.183 ppg and Potter 1.188ppg. Marginal but opposite to your claim..
Swap Potter for Bruce and see the difference between the clubs then, if only. Appoint. Eddy Howe and see what a decent coach could do with our squad. I also believe it would placate the fans to a degree.
Bryan Kerswill(Quote)