This season has been a disaster for Newcastle United. Perched precariously above the relegation zone, just two points clear with one game in hand, they teeter on the brink, with Fulham breathing down their neck. It seems the team is in free fall, with no clear idea of how to stop the decline. The manager is running out of ideas. Let’s delve into why the Steve Bruce era at St. James’ Park seems doomed.
Premier League experience
Steve Bruce is no stranger to the Premier League, boasting a reasonable record in the top flight and management overall. With stints at Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Sunderland, and Hull City, he has the credentials for top-tier management. However, his tenure with Newcastle United will likely be remembered as a particularly bleak chapter.
Lack of Confidence and Form
Newcastle completely look bereft of confidence, struggling to string together any consistent form. This was epitomized by their dire 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion, where they showed little intent to secure a win. Unfortunately, this lack of ambition seems to be a recurring theme this season, with Bruce’s side often failing to challenge opponents with any real venom.
Close defeats and attacking woes
While Newcastle hasn’t been on the receiving end of many humiliating losses, the number of narrow defeats has taken its toll, leaving them languishing near the bottom of the table. The loss of top goalscorer Callum Wilson has certainly hurt, but Bruce’s apparent lack of faith in Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle is perplexing. Despite not being in their prime, they arguably offer more than the record purchase flop, Joelinton.
Bruce’s lack of trust in his strikers has also led to the misuse of Miguel Almiron, deploying him as a false nine where he looks far less comfortable than in his preferred attacking midfield role. This misplacement has disrupted Newcastle’s control in midfield and hampered their build-up play to the strikers.
Mismanagement and player relations
Rumors of disputes with players like Matt Ritchie and Bruce’s habit of publicly criticizing his squad have not helped matters. This tendency to “throw players under the bus” after defeats indicates a manager dissatisfied with his team, a sentiment that quickly permeates the squad and affects their performance.
The looming threat of change
With names like Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche linked to the Newcastle managerial position, it appears Bruce’s days are numbered. Both candidates boast better recent records in the Premier League, making them attractive options for a club in crisis. Bruce’s chances of surviving a sacking by owner Mike Ashley are slim, especially if relegation to the Championship becomes a reality.
