“I did recommend Eddie to them and thought he’s a very, very good young manager.”
Steve Bruce has revealed that he played an important role in finding his successor at Newcastle United.
Bruce left Newcastle by mutual consent in October 2021, with the Magpies second from bottom and without a win in eight games at the time.
His departure came shortly after the arrival of Newcastle’s new, wealthy Saudi owners, who wasted little time in putting their own stamp on things at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe was appointed as Bruce’s replacement in November, 2021 and has been pivotal in turning the side’s fortunes around.After an impressive 11th placed finish last season, the Magpies are now flying high in third place and well on course to finish inside the top four.
The 62-year-old was a guest on Neil Warnock’s podcast, ‘Die for Three Points Podcast’ where he reflected on his time at the club and insisted that he had no bad feelings towards the owners.
“The new owners were terrific with me I have to say,” Bruce said.
“They did say how can we help you, I said: ‘Look I think my time is up here, because the only negative thing that’s left now is myself’.
“And would you believe they did ask me my opinion of who could take over and I did recommend Eddie to them and thought he’s a very, very good young manager.
“Pleased to say that he got the job and I am delighted that they’re doing so well.”
His comments do somewhat contradict how he left the club. Shortly after his sacking, and the news about Howe’s appointment became public, Bruce didn’t hold back in his assessment of his replacement.
He said: “When I see polls on the next manager & the fella from Bournemouth, I find it disrespectful, I have to tell you. Your paper (The Newcastle Chronicle) was gunning for a manager that got a team relegated last year.”
Meanwhile the 62-year-old is reportedly set to retire from football management, as per the Daily Mail. Bruce was sacked by West Bromwich Albion in October and has been out of work since.
Related links:
- Eddie Howe insists there is a ceiling for Newcastle after Klopp comments
- Steve Bruce admits it was hard to be called a ‘tactically inept cabbage head’
- Steve Bruce sacked as Newcastle United manager
