Allan Saint-Maximin has sent a heartfelt message to Steve Bruce following his long-awaited exit earlier today.
The Frenchman arrived at St James’ Park just two weeks after Bruce was appointed by Mike Ashley, with him going on to be one of the few bright lights of the 60-year-old’s tenure on Tyneside.
Now, following his sacking, Saint-Maximin has thanked his former head coach for being a ‘caring’ and ‘fair’ man who ‘never hesitated to protect us.’
The 24-year-old has also called him ‘one of the most gentle people’ he has ever met in football, saying he will always be grateful for the way he was treated.
Here’s what he’s had to say just a few hours on from Bruce’s exit:
‘You are, without a doubt, one of the most gentle people that I have ever met in the world of football.
‘You have been a man of your word, a caring man and a fair man who never hesitated to protect us.
‘I will never forget how you treated me, for that I will be forever grateful
‘It has been an honour and a privilege to have you as a coach, thank you Steve.’
Saint Maximin has inadvertently highlighted one of Bruce’s problems, He was nice and gentle.
Being a boss you can’t be everyone’s friend ie, one of the lads!
You need to be disciplined and as tough as old boots when necessary!
Nice guy but not manager material!
Joseph(Quote)
Maybe that’s just the way he managed ASM who may be a player who needs that approach.
Wonder if Ritchie would say same, as he seems to be the poison in the dressing room !
David(Quote)
David:
How do you know Ritchie is poison in the dressing room?
He seems to be one of the only players who really wears his heart on his sleeve, and perhaps the players need someone, obviously not Bruce, to have a go at them.
Most of the players S. Longstaff for example think he is helpful, a live wire and good to have around.
Hardly poison!
Joseph(Quote)