Steve Bruce equals unwanted Newcastle record held by Steve McClaren

Add as preferred source on Google

When Steve Bruce was appointed as Newcastle manager, many fans were dismayed, amid concerns over his past record and that he is not up to the job.

Six games into the season, and it is fair to say that Bruce has done little to dissuade his doubters of their belief, and in all likelihood, some of those pleading to give him a chance may be swaying their way too.

Bruce actually equalled a record – and not one he would have hoped for – by failing to beat Brighton at St James’ Park on Saturday.

According to the Shields Gazette, he became only the second Newcastle manager not to win any of his first three home Premier League games – the other was the hapless Steve McClaren.

Granted, Bruce has actually picked up one point more from those three remarkably similar games than the McClaren did, but that does not make it any less woeful.

Both lost 0-1 to Arsenal, and both had very winnable games as the other two: Watford and Brighton for Bruce; Watford and Southampton for McClaren.

Difficult times ahead for Steve Bruce at Newcastle

At least the former England manager had managed to win a home game in the League Cup against Northampton during that run.

Bruce could not even navigate a way past the second round, despite promising to prioritise cup games.

However, McClaren did then pick up eight points from the next 12 at home – which included a 6-2 demolition of Norwich City.

At this current time, it is difficult to see this Newcastle side scoring six goals for the season by the time the next four home games have been played!

With a tricky game against Manchester United next up at Gallowgate, before the visits of Wolves, Bournemouth and Manchester City before the end of November, he may need a similar type of run to keep any fans on-side at all.

Make no mistake about it, Newcastle are in big trouble, and despite assurances of time when he was appointed, he could find that he does not have much of it, should Newcastle find themselves in the relegation zone, adrift of safety.

Steve McClaren lasted just 276 days – 28 league games – as manager at Newcastle. If things continue in a similar vein this season, Bruce may not even reach that number.