Steve Bruce has named only Allan Saint-Maximin in the best 18-man squad he has ever managed in a recent interview with The Telegraph.
The West-Bromwich Albion manager showed no love for players like Callum Wilson – who scored 15 times in just 32 appearances under Bruce – opting instead for Christophe Duggary and Emile Heskey.
‘Brucey’ also deemed Jamaal Lascelles as not good enough for his team of favourites, despite captaining the centre back for three years, and instead decided upon former Sunderland defender John Mensah.
Mensah was one of three Sunderland players to make the team, alongside Wes Brown and Lee Cattermole, with Brown playing under Bruce only 14 times.
It is probably a surprise to very few that Bruce – who may be bitter about how things ended on Tyneside – didn’t see the talent he had available during his term on Tyneside, as he managed just a 27% win percentage during his time on Tyneside.
His exit coincided with the resurgence of many talented players at the club, with the likes of Joelinton, Ryan Fraser, Jonjo Shelvey and Fabian Schar looking different animals under Eddie Howe, with Miggy Almiron looking like the latest example based on his form over the past six months.
Here’s Bruce’s all-time 18 based on those he’s managed, with Jack Grealish’s inclusion quite amusing given he tried to ship him out on loan during his unsuccessful spell at Aston Villa!
The fat mackem couldn’t manage his way out of a paper bag, he ruined that talent he managed.
Mark(Quote)
Cabbage Head Destroyed talented players.With all the money he has you would think he would get his Nose fixed.He is a true Sunderland supporter.Traiter.
Jonboy(Quote)
This is probably why he was only semi successful as a championship manager he must’ve learnt nowt under Sir Alex at Manure never has and never will be anything but a mediocre championship manager at best and I’m being generous, he can’t seem to recognise genuine top level talent .
Jim(Quote)