Steve Bruce finally left Newcastle United by mutual consent on Wednesday morning and Allan Saint-Maximin posted an emotional message to his former boss on Instagram, praising his man-management while calling his time under the 60-year-old “an honour” and “a privilege”.
Bruce was appointed Newcastle manager in July 2019 and presided over 97 matches, winning 29, drawing 25 and losing 43. The former Manchester United defender led the Toon Army to a 13th-placed finish in 2019/20 and 12th in 2020/21.
Newcastle were 19th in the Premier League with three points from eight games, having failed to pick up a win early on. So after the Magpies were taken over by Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, Bruce’s future was immediately uncertain.
Saint-Maximin is Bruce’s 8th most-used player during his time at St James’ Park. He played 65 times under the 60-year-old, scoring nine goals with 14 assists. The uncapped French winger was one of the first players brought in under Bruce, so it’s fitting he had the most to say about his departure.
Saint-Maximin now has to get Newcastle out of the relegation zone without the manager that brought him to the North-East.
In other news, fans on social media aren’t excited by Newcastle’s interest in Mesut Ozil
