“No meaningful approach, regression in form, tactically cynical.”
Newcastle fans are not pleased with Steve Bruce. But this is not new, for as long as he has been in charge there have been grumblings, some louder than others, about his unadventurous tactics and his side’s tortuously boring displays.
Tuesday was no different, as the Magpies allowed Sheffield United to pick up their first league win of the season. Before this game, Sheffield United only had two points, picking up draws against Fulham and Brighton earlier on in the season. Even West Brom and Crystal Palace beat them. This was a must win for Steve Bruce.
But did he adapt his tactics and take the initiative, what with having the better squad and everything? Did he fuck. Newcastle were camped in their own half, managed only 33 per cent possession and created just seven shots, to the hosts’ 17.
In the end, the game was settled by a penalty that came from an accidental handball. And the visitors were not helped by Ryan Fraser’s red card on the stroke of half time, but the fans deemed the performance unacceptable nonetheless.
Newcastle fan and podcaster Charlotte Robson tweeted: “I don’t know how to begin to express how disgraceful that was. Players entirely disinterested, idiotic choices, no plan, no meaningful approach, regression in form, tactically cynical, etcetcetc. You know all this. He’s got to go.”
I don't know how to begin to express how disgraceful that was. Players entirely disinterested, idiotic choices, no plan, no meaningful approach, regression in form, tactically cynical, etcetcetc. You know all this. He's got to go
— Charlotte Robson (@charlottehope) January 12, 2021
Former Newcastle forward Michael Chopra joined in, tweeting Sheffield United’s record prior to the game and then BRUCE OUT in block capitals.
Sheffield United P17 W0 D2 L15…. up steps Sir Bruce #BRUCEOUT
— Michael Chopra (@MichaelChopra) January 12, 2021
A fan run Newcastle publisher Gallowgate Shots put it succinctly: ” We just keep getting worse. There is no work in progress. Steve Bruce will get this side relegated.”
We just keep getting worse. There is no work in progress. Steve Bruce will get this side relegated.
— GallowgateShots #NUFC (@GallowgateShots) January 12, 2021
Unfortunately for the Geordie faithful, it doesn’t look like Bruce will be walking any time soon. After the game, he answered questions about the safety of his job by saying he will “never ever walk away from the challenge.”
If only they had an owner who cared about football.
