A number of Newcastle United fans have been reacting to the staunch defence of Steve Bruce offered by former Magpies captain Mick Martin, who has suggested that recent criticism of the manager is unfair.
Bruce has guided Newcastle to their best start to a season since they secured promotion back to the Premier League in 2016/17. However, the Magpies manager has come under scrutiny for the style of play, with Chris Sutton having labelled his approach as ‘anti-football.’
The Magpies have so far this season had just 60 attempts on goal in their opening seven Premier League matches, with only three teams registering fewer shots (premierleague.com). That is largely due to Bruce setting up Newcastle to be difficult to break down, rather than looking to be expansive.
Newcastle have also recorded more passes than just four other sides in the division, but that style has been effective in allowing Bruce’s side to soak up pressure and hit teams on the break.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, Martin outlined that Bruce should be commended rather than criticised for the results he is managing to achieve. He even suggested that managers such as Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho would struggle to perform a better job, saying:
“They are playing well but you will always get people, and I’m not being disrespectful to anybody, looking for Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho or Arsene Wenger in charge because of their CV.
“But I honestly don’t believe that any of them could have done what Steve Bruce has done with what he’s had, keeping the team well away from danger for 18 months and reaching two cup quarter-finals.
“I don’t think it’s a valid to criticise Steve Bruce with 11 points from seven games, he should be commended.
“But I think a manager like Steve thrives off getting some stick from supporters because when they turn it around they can look back with a smile on their face.”
Newcastle fans react to Martin’s comments
A lot of Newcastle fans have been left bemoaning the latest comments from Martin and are unconvinced that Bruce’s “awful” tactics are right for the Magpies. However, one supporter did point out that he has at least been able to convince Mike Ashley to spend more money on the squad.
Bruce has been successful in one area where previous managers failed. He got Ashley to spend money on proven PL talent. Who are now bailing him out now with results despite a woeful style of football. He's an absolute tatey but now at least we have some quality to get us results
— Vocal Hero (@TheVocalHero) November 3, 2020
Nothing will change my opinion about Bruce like. No matter how many of his old pals come out and rub it in the fans faces after the odd good result here and there. We watch Newcastle every week, and we are tactically hopeless. It's just Bruce luckily finds a way in some games.
— Stu (@ChaytorStu) November 3, 2020
No has he watched the games? The performances are awful and only got point where other teams have not performed, he’s beginning to ruin ASM and has no clue on formation / tactics
— dunntoon (@dunntoon) November 3, 2020
Here it comes. The week after a surprise win…
— Wez Blackett (@BlackettWez) November 3, 2020
Not in the slightest.
— Lee Robson (@leerobson23) November 3, 2020
Not really no
— condorman3 (@robbie3656) November 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/geordiesiallen1/status/1323640713519763459?s=19
