Steve Bruce gave his first press conference as Newcastle head coach in China today, and fans picked out one particular comment which left them fearing the worst.
For those who believe he is merely a puppet for Mike Ashley, they will have heard little to alter their opinion when the former Sheffield Wednesday manager, speaking about transfers used a tired old line plucked from the Alan Pardew era.
Speaking about strengthening the squad, Bruce said: “We want to make a couple of acquisitions at least.
“With the loss of Perez and Rondon where we have to immediately take a look. Make no mistake we ARE active as we speak. Hopefully, we will get them over the line.”
It is that last short sentence that has concerned fans, with many believing we have gone full circle, back to the bad old days, before Rafa Benitez changed things.
Steve Bruce insists decisions on transfers will be his
He also insists he will have the final say on transfers, and described claims that he will not as “nonsense”, adding “I will have control of who we bring in”.
In fairness to Bruce, it was probably just a figure of speech, but it appears, try as he might, many fans will simply never give him the benefeit of the doubt, and already see him as reading from the Ashley and Lee Charnley hymn sheet.
After all that has gone on recently at the club, it is hard to blame them for that.
Here are a few reactions from fans:
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