Steve Bruce replaced Rafa Benitez as Newcastle United manager in the summer.
Kevin Nolan has suggested that the Newcastle United players are happier under Steve Bruce than they were under Rafa Benitez.
In the summer, after Benitez’s contract at the club expired, the Newcastle board turned to then-Sheffield Wednesday manager Bruce as their new boss.
He has started off the season in an indifferent manner – picking up a very good win away at Spurs, but also suffering defeats at Norwich City and most recently Anfield.
Nonetheless, former Newcastle player Nolan insisted that he means ‘no disrespect’ towards Benitez, as he suggested that there is more of a buzz around St James’ Park now.
“I was there just a week before the season started and the place was buzzing,” Nolan told Stadium Astro. “There were smiles on faces.
“I went up there when Rafa was there, and no disrespect to Rafa, but it was a lot duller and everything a bit too serious. I think Steve has brought a smile back on the lad’s faces and they all seem to be enjoying training and they all seem to be together.
“The biggest thing I brought back from that week was that they all believed that this season, it’s going to be tough, but they’ll be okay. And they will be pushing for that top ten. I think they [the players] just enjoyed the fact that something different was going on. I think Steve’s a little different to Rafa, who is more of a technical, talking about squads and 11 v 11’s.”
Over the weekend, Newcastle were thrashed by Premier League table-toppers Liverpool despite Jetro Willems putting his side ahead early on.
But the Magpies couldn’t stop the onslaught from the likes of Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino, who caused them all sorts of problems.
Ahead of their home clash against Brighton on Saturday, Bruce will be hoping his players can put that recent result behind them, as they are currently one point above the relegation zone.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
