Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has NO concerns over reception he will get when 10,000 fans return for clash with relegated Sheffield United tomorrow as he admits to ‘missing the real atmosphere they create’
- Boss Steve Bruce has no worries about fans venting their feelings towards him
- There will be 10,000 fans inside the ground when they take on Sheffield United
- Bruce says whatever the reception he gets, it will ‘great to see the fans back’
- The Newcastle boss has been the subject of strong criticism from fans this term
Steve Bruce says he has no worries about the prospect of Newcastle supporters venting their feelings towards him when they return to St James’ Park.
There will be 10,000 inside the ground when they take on relegated Sheffield United on Wednesday evening.
Bruce has been the subject of strong criticism from fans this season and there is a chance they could use their return to air such views.
Steve Bruce has no worries about fans venting their feelings towards him when they return
There will be 10,000 inside the ground when they take on Sheffield United on Wednesday
Newcastle have pulled clear of relegation in recent weeks after a return of three wins from seven since the 3-0 defeat at Brighton that led to calls for Bruce to go.
And when asked if he was ‘anxious’ about the reaction of the fans, the head coach said: ‘No, not at all. Whatever kind of reception I get, I’m delighted they’re back in.
‘I know how much it means. I think the fans will be coming to cheer on their team, who they’ve enjoyed watching of late. It’s important we put on a performance like we have been.
Bruce says whatever the reception he gets from the fans, it will ‘great to see them back’
Fans have protested against Mike Ashley this season and 95 per cent want Bruce to be sacked
‘It’s great to see them back. I’m sure they’ll give the team a wonderful reception. What makes Newcastle unique is that real atmosphere they can create. We have missed them.’
The reverse fixture – a 1-0 defeat at Bramall Lane in January – was another occasion followed by supporter unrest.
And Bruce admits that game, amid a run of 11 matches without a win, was a low point in their campaign.
‘It was certainly one of the dark moments of the season,’ he said. ‘I certainly picked the wrong team. I have to take full responsibility. That was one of the awful parts of the winter. We didn’t play very well.’
The boss was named Premier League Manager of the Month for April but fans are still unsure
Newcastle have pulled clear of relegation in recent weeks after a return of three wins from seven since the 3-0 defeat at Brighton that led to calls for Bruce to go
Victory against the Blades and at Fulham on Sunday would take the Magpies to 45 points, bettering last season’s tally by one.
To that end, Bruce says he cannot afford to pick players for whom it could be a last chance to appear at St James’, such as the out-of-contract Andy Carroll.
‘I can’t be sentimental,’ he said. ‘I want to win the two games. There is no room for sentiment.
‘We have to chance to get to 45 points. We’d accept that, but we still have aspirations to be better.’
Meanwhile, Bruce reiterated his desire for Newcastle to speak to Arsenal about making permanent the loan signing of Joe Willock, who has scored in his last five matches.