Newcastle United’s pre-season got off to a woeful start in a 4-0 loss to Wolves on Wednesday, but for Steve Bruce, it could be a brilliant opening to prove his doubters wrong.
Newcastle announced Bruce as head coach just before Newcastle’s first match of the Premier League Asia Trophy, and he wont be impressed with what he saw.
The Toon were embarrassed in the first match of their China tour, in a performance that reflected what has been a terrible summer.
The Mags’ defensive performance in the first-half was peppered with errors, and they conceded three goals in just half an hour against a rampant Wolves.
Newcastle were saved from a complete rout though when at half-time mass substitutions from both sides disrupted the flow of the game.
However there was still time for a little more humiliation, and a late own goal from Thomas Allen added a very sour cherry to the top of the Toon’s miserably stale cake.
The Mags now face West Ham for their last match of the tour today, and expectations are abysmally low.
The team have had two days to prepare under Bruce, and there’s not many managers who’d envy his position.
Some critics will be sharpening their knives in anticipation for the game, but in reality, this match is one Bruce can’t really lose.
Wolves result can benefit Bruce
For the local gaffer, this job is a dream come true, yet he is undeniably walking into a dressing room who are at breaking point.
Wednesday’s performance looked like that of a side fully shaken by Rafa Benitez’s departure, and Bruce will do well to steady the ship.
But can things really get any worse?
A disastrous summer followed by a dismal pre-season opener gives Bruce the chance to make an almost immediate impact.
Should Newcastle secure a win or a draw against The Hammers, Bruce’s critics aren’t going to have a lot to say.
He will have undeniably helped restore confidence to a dejected side and eased some fears, albeit temporarily.
And even though his few day’s work is unlikely to have had any real effect, Bruce will likely claim the plaudits to improve his current standing.
But should things once again fall apart, the situation also acts as his get out of jail free card.
Because in fairness to Bruce, how much of an impact could he realistically have had in that time? He shouldn’t be blamed for a poor result against West Ham.
Although it’s unlikely he’ll have absolutely no say from the stands, he’ll still essentially be blame free.
Bruce himself however will be praying for a victory, because its a chance to alleviate some of the instant-scepticism he’s received so far.
The manager needs a clean slate before the start of the season, but he’s unlikely to get one without a few pre-season wins.
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