Ex-Newcastle United player Darren Ambrose has given his verdict on former Toon manager Steve Bruce. The previous boss is currently in charge of West Bromwich Albion and is yet to win a game.
Bruce’s last game in charge of Newcastle was a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham at St James’ Park. In November, Eddie Howe was appointed as the new manager and has gotten the Magpies away from the drop zone.
Howe has had the benefit of new signings coming in, but he’s been able to turn around the form of much of the current squad – players that would’ve been managed by Bruce when he was in charge on Tyneside.
Ambrose believes that Howe has proven that some Newcastle fans were right about Bruce
Speaking to talkSPORT, Ambrose gave his verdict on Bruce’s decline as a manager. He believes Howe has shown that some Toon fans were right to question the former manager’s tactics.
“The tactics of throwing out your best 11 and hoping for the win, I don’t think it works nowadays,” Ambrose said.
“Unfortunately we’ve seen a decline with Steve Bruce in management. It’s been at Newcastle, it was prior to that as well.
“You don’t manage a thousand games and not have some kind of awareness, but I think it’s a little bit outdated.
“I think the Newcastle supporters will be pleased to a certain extent. Not because they’re personally attacking Steve Bruce. But everyone was blaming the poor players and that’s been proved wrong now. Now Eddie Howe has come to Newcastle, that’s been proved wrong.”
In his third and final season managing the Magpies, the luck began to run out for Bruce. During his tenure, the performances and set-up of his side were often questioned by some fans.
They were winless under him this season and sitting in the relegation zone. Now Newcastle is 14th in the table and unbeaten in seven.
Whilst Bruce is struggling at West Brom, Howe has rejuvinated Newcastle’s sqaud
Players like Ryan Fraser, Joelinton, Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey all look vastly better. It’s clear Howe has instilled a lot of belief into his Newcastle side.
Bruce was appointed West Brom manager at the start of February and has managed five matches. In their most recent fixture, they lost 2-0 at home to Swansea. He has now managed two clubs this season and is still yet to win a game.
It seems that while Bruce is on a downward trajectory, Newcastle is on the up. Many have tipped them now to avoid the drop when a few months ago they seemed set to go down. Howe has had a tremendous impact and for most fans is a refreshing change on the touchline.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
