This is the last thing Newcastle fans needed to hear

Newcastle United fans want a progressive manager in charge, but Mike Ashley does not care.

After several consecutive seasons fighting for survival, and promotion from the Championship, Newcastle United fans want to see a progressive manager come in and alter the style of football on Tyneside.

The Magpies are known for their success and eye-catching performances during the Entertainers Era with Kevin Keegan leading the way, but things have changed drastically since then.

When Rafa Benitez left the club after his contract expired in June of 2019, an endless list of managerial candidates was presented in the media each day, but no one expected Steve Bruce to be his replacement.

Bruce’s appointment caught everyone off guard, but the fact that Mike Ashley paid £4m to Sheffield Wednesday as a compensation fee for taking their manager was shocking. Fast-forward to today, and Bruce is still calling the shots on the sideline.

His contract expires in the summer of 2022, but he could see an extension come his way in the near future. According to a report from the Chronicle, Ashley and the front office have been impressed with the job Bruce has done at Newcastle United.

Just when Ashley was beginning to win some points with the fans as a result of his investments this summer, and his determination to fight the Premier League over the failed takeover, he goes and says this.

Yes, Bruce defied the odds last season when he guided the team to a 13th place, but luck contributed to that “success” more than his tactics. There is a reason why the Toon Army have #BruceOut trending on Twitter almost every weekend.

Big Mistake, Mike

Despite having one of the most dynamic groups of players in the Premier League at his disposal, Bruce lacks confidence in their abilities, which is absurd. His defensive tactics are holding the team back in a big way, and this low ceiling he is placing on Newcastle United is keeping them out of the top ten.

Bruce has been in charge of the Toon for 44 Premier League games, and his record consists of 13 wins, 13 draws, and 18 defeats. To put that record into a different perspective, Bruce enjoys a winning percentage of… 29.5%.

Adding more statistics into the mix, with Bruce as head coach, Newcastle United have scored 46 goals and conceded 68 goals in the Premier League. The 58 goals conceded last season marks the club’s worst tally in that category since 2015.

What exactly is so impressive about those terrible numbers in the eyes of Mike Ashley? Is he not witnessing the way Southampton, Leeds United, Aston Villa, and Brighton are playing lately? That is the type of transformation the Magpies need.

These 1980s tactics will set Newcastle United too far back, to the point where next season the Toon will be relegation favorites if things do not change. There is sufficient talent in this squad to avoid the drop, but there is also sufficient talent to fight for a top ten finish.

Instead of fans being excited to see the lineup every weekend, the moment the tweet comes out from Newcastle United fans experience a face palm moment.

There is too much wasted potential in this team because of Bruce and his negative approach to games, and that is the main reason why his future at St. James’ Park should be in doubt.

It remains to be seen what will happen over the next few months, but the latest report from the Chronicle is extremely frustrating. If it is true, then this stagnation will not end any time soon.

In case you missed it two weeks ago, to read my recommendation for who Newcastle United would benefit from as manager, click here.