Former Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce is reportedly seen as a ‘safe pair of hands’ by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, who is looking for a new manager.
Steve Bruce during Aston Villa training in 2018
It would be some story if Steve Bruce were to become the next Newcastle United manager following the news that Rafa Benitez will leave the club when his contract expires.
The ex-Aston Villa boss is currently managing Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. He hasn’t managed in England’s top-flight since his Hull City days, and back in October, he was sacked by Villa, who would then go onto earn promotion under Dean Smith.
But could he meet his former side in the Premier League this season?
The Telegraph report that Newcastle owner Mike Ashley sees Bruce as a safe pair of hands, as the next Magpies boss has big shoes to fill at St James’ Park.
If the retail businessman does go with those ‘safe pair of hands’, and whilst Bruce will be one of the last names United supporters will want to see, it wouldn’t be a surprise if an owner like Ashley does actually appoint him.
Here we look at three players Bruce could sign from his former club Villa if Ashley does the unthinkable:
1. Ahmed Elmohamady – Bruce worked with him at Hull City, and then when he was appointed Villa manager, he signed the experienced right-back once again. Whilst the Toon Army supporters may not want to hear it, Bruce is an Ashley like appointment and Elmohamady, albeit he doesn’t fit the age model, is the cheap-like option Ashley likes to go for.
2. Jonathan Kodjia – Newcastle are in need of attacking options, and at this moment in time, their best forward player is arguably Dwight Gayle. When Kodjia was fully fit, Bruce worked wonders with him and given his current status at Villa Park, he might not be too much of an expensive option for the club. Once again step forward, Ashley.
3. James Chester – Another player that has worked under Bruce at various clubs. From Hull to Villa, could Newcastle follow suit if Ashley appoints the Wednesday man? One of the strongest points of Newcastle’s campaign last term was their centre-backs, but given what has happened at the club, it wouldn’t surprise many if some of Newcastle’s key players follow the Spaniard out of the door. If that were to happen then a player of Chester’s experience would suit them.
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