Newsletter

Get your daily update and weekly newsletter by signing up today!

News

Steve Bruce : No signings really close but ‘Lee Charnley working every hour’ – Press conference catch up

5 years ago
Share

Steve Bruce has had plenty to say at his press conference.

Sitting alongside Joelinton, this is a catch up with what the new Head Coach had to say when meeting the media yesterday.

Whilst doubts remain amongst the NUFC fanbase about his suitability, easy to see why he is so popular with a number of journalists who have welcomed him with open arms.

As he was at Sunderland and elsewhere, Steve Bruce hasn’t been short on quotes for the waiting media.

However, at the sharp end of things, the new Head Coach wasn’t overwhelmingly positive when it came to getting in the essential signings needed before the window closes two weeks today: ‘Lee Charnley is working every hour behind the scenes. Whether something is really, really close…I don’t think so.’

Steve Bruce press conference catch up from Wednesday, starting with signings needed:

“We have lost about six players.

“I’m not saying we will get six in but the crucial thing is that they are at the right quality.

“We’re at the stage now – can you get the quality that takes you forward?

“Ideally we would like another three or four but numbers I can’t really put on it…because one or two always fall away – but we will do our utmost.

“We are working hard to make sure we bring in one or two more.

“It is rumbling on…transfers these days seem to take an eternity – because obviously they’re complicated.

“We are doing everything we can and Lee Charnley is working every hour behind the scenes.

“Whether something is really, really close…I don’t think so.

“But I believe that by the time the season kicks off we will have certainly one or two more players who can add to the squad.

“We know we need more and we don’t just want to settle for staying in the Premier League.”

Mike Ashley’s puppet?:

“I’m not going to be anybody’s yes man…I have heard it said that I’m a puppet…not in charge of transfers or what have you.

“I can only report on how he (Mike Ashley) has been with myself and he’s been straight down the line in the conversations I have had with him.

“I’m not his bagman or anything else and I will certainly be my own man, I always have been.

“All I can ask is to be given a chance.

“Whoever was going to be sitting here would find it difficult, with the support that he (Rafa) had from the fans…quite phenomenal, unbelievable, so whoever was sitting here would have big shoes to fill.

“All talks I have had over the last week or so (with Mike Ashley) have been positive and about improving the club and taking the club forward and let’s hope that this is just the start.

“I will try as best as I possibly can. I like to think every club has been in a better position after I took over and that has to be the aim here.

“Just to be given a fair crack of the whip is all I ask.”

Joelinton:

“It’s been going on for a little bit now (signing Joelinton), so to get him is great for everybody, I’m sure they all got a lift seeing this lad walk through the door.

“He’s got everything that a modern day player needs – big, strong and athletic, plus of course he’s got age on his side too which is vitally important.

“He has the potential to be a top-class centre forward and we are delighted to get him here.”

Wish me luck:

“Mike (Ashley) came in to wish myself and the staff the best of luck.

“He met the new centre-forward and he took an interest in training and wished us all luck, which was good to see.

“I think it is always key to have a positive relationship…you need to get on with the people you work with.

“I am not really interested in what’s gone on before.

“So far he (Mike Ashley) has been straight as a die.

“I asked him a few questions and I have got a few straight answers.”

I’m a Geordie:

“I’m from the city and Newcastle is always a result I’ve watched out for, certainly since I was a boy.

“I was deemed never good enough to play for the club.

“I had a chance a few years ago to manage the club, that I regretted (not taking), his time I had to grasp it.

“I’ve come into it with my eyes wide open and I’m confident.”

Isaac Hayden staying…?:

“I have had a really positive conversation with Isaac.

“They’re a really good group (of players) to be honest.

“It must have been a really difficult summer for them and they want to prove themselves.”

Could be like a new signing…:

“The first thing I said to them (Colback, Aarons, Lazaar who had been frozen out by Rafa) is that I’m not interested in what’s gone on in the past.

“The slate’s wiped clean with all of them.

“The time is now to stake your claim.

“There’s one or two or three who have got the benefit of a new manager coming in. It’s up to them now.

“As far as I’m concerned, the slate’s wiped clean.”

Share

If you would like to feature on The Mag, submit your article to contribute@themag.co.uk

Have your say

© 2024 The Mag. All Rights Reserved. Design & Build by Mediaworks