The big questions Steve Bruce needs to answer at his unveiling press conference

Add as preferred source on Google

It now is a case of when, not if, Steve Bruce becomes Newcastle United manager following his reported resignation from Sheffield Wednesday on Monday.

Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence followed their manager’s lead by also leaving the Hillsborough club, and will be joining back up with Bruce on Tyneside.

When the news of his appointment is confirmed, there are a number of questions that need answers from Bruce, and we have made a list of those we want to hear.

Having been told about the toxic atmosphere you’re walking into, why did you want the Newcastle job?

A question many fans are asking. He plays up his support for Newcastle, so if he is a proper fan, why would he work for the two most-derided men in the city?

He will surely say he could not say no to the role again, but that will not wash with many supporters.

Given the anger over Rafa Benitez’s departure, how do you think you can win rebellious fans over?

It seems an impossible job for the former Manchester United centre-back, and many will not be swayed by anything Bruce says or does.

He will likely say it will be down to results on the pitch that will ultimately win fans back, but I think he may be underestimating the resentment from a number of supporters, who will simply not return until Mike Ashley has gone.

Do you think you owed the Sheffield Wednesday fans and their owner, who was so generous to you in January, more loyalty?

Owls fans are rightly furious over the situation, and while it is easy to blame Lee Charnley for unsettling their manager, Bruce could have easily just said no.

There are very few owners who would give their manager a month delay to starting their role, while he recuperated watching cricket in Barbados. The fact that he has jumped ship at the first opportunity, is a proverbial slap in the face for Dejphon Chansiri and the club.

What would you say to underwhelmed Newcastle fans who are planning to boycott Newcastle United games this season?

It will be interesting to see how he would answer this question, with some sort of diplomatic answer likely, along the lines of the fans having a right to do or say what they like.

He is sure to also issue some sort of rallying call for everyone to stay united, and stress how much the players will need fans’ support.

How much say will you have on transfers?

One of the big stumbling blocks over Rafa’s extension negotiations, confirmation of little say on the transfer front would lead to a couple of follow-up questions, such as: Why would you manage a club under those conditions? Will you be asking for a sporting director to work alongside?

Have you been made aware of any potential takeover, and how it may affect your position?

The million dollar question. Most fans’ hopes of a takeover this summer are dwindling. That Newcastle have paid a large compensation package for Bruce, and likely to hand him a multi-year contract, suggests new owners are not in the offing.

But if it does happen, Bruce is not likely to be the man the new hierarchy would want in place to take the club forward. His answer could belatedly shed some official light on the speculation.