Ex-Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will be hoping to overcome the off-field troubles at Newcastle United and help them prove their worth ahead of the new Premier League season.
Tony Cascarino has made it clear that Steve Bruce’s previous ‘association’ with Sunderland will not be a problem for him in the long-term at Newcastle United.
It has been five days since Newcastle turned to ex-Sunderland boss Bruce to take over the reins at St James’ Park, with the mood and atmosphere around the club at its lowest and most toxic.
Bruce was at Sheffield Wednesday before he made the switch to the North East club as he has his work cut out in trying to win over the fans.
Speaking to Weekend Sports Breakfast on TalkSport (20/07/2019 at 8:25 am), Cascarino shared his thoughts on Bruce taking charge of his boyhood club.
“He’s starting from a bad position,” Cascarino told TalkSport. “I know Steve, I know how he works and I’ve known him for a hell of a long time. It’s the job he always wanted, so he’ll be given the chance by Mike Ashley.
“Steve does things his way and he has been in many clubs with difficult situations. I think he’ll embrace this opportunity, especially considering it’s the club that he adored.
“As much as people might think it’s a Sunderland association. That I don’t think [will be a problem]. For the long term, he will be fine. I think it’s [a case of] what team he can put together. I think it’s an enormous challenge for this team not to go down.”
The first thing Bruce has to sort out it trying to add more quality and depth to his depleted squad which is seriously lacking goals.
Since Solomon Rondon’s loan deal expired at the club, he re-joined former boss Rafa Benitez in China, with Ayoze Perez also being sold to Leicester City prior to Bruce’s arrival.
The above attacking duo were key to Newcastle’s success last term and Bruce will need to act fast in the transfer market if they are to prove their worth ahead of the new campaign.
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