Boyhood dream coming true as Bruce nears Newcastle job

Newcastle United (11/4 – Top-10 Finish – Premier League 2019-20) are being tipped to appoint Steve Bruce as their next manager as Magpies officials discuss compensation issues with Sheffield Wednesday regarding the release of the former Sunderland boss.

Bruce is understood to be keen on taking charge of his ‘boyhood’ club, but Magpies fans are likely to be underwhelmed by the choice of successor to the popular Spaniard Rafa Benitez.

Because while Benitez had Spanish League, Champions League and Europa League titles on his glittering CV, Bruce has not won any silverware in a 21-year managerial career.

He managed north-east rivals Sunderland for over two years, but had no success in Tyne-Wear derbies, and even apologised to Black Cats fans after an infamous 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Newcastle in October 2010.

Bruce is expected to be announced as Newcastle’s new manager before the weekend although he may not receive the necessary visa in time to go on their pre-season trip to the Far East.

Newcastle’s lack of transfer activity and delays over appointing a new boss have left them behind a number of their Premier League rivals and facing up to the prospect of a relegation battle in 2019-20 (1/4 – To Finish Bottom Half).

Bruce must address a number of key issues, such as the future of Manchester United target Sean Longstaff, in a short space of time before the opening game against Arsenal (11/10 – Match Betting, Newcastle 12/5) on Sunday, August 11.

Former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has distanced himself from a return to the club, saying “it wasn’t for me”.

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