#BruceOut is a common tweet on Tyneside, but now Newcastle United fans have an interesting replacement in mind.
Newcastle United will spend the next two weeks training as a result of the international break. With both Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser sidelined with hamstring injuries this break comes at the perfect time. Wilson has carried Newcastle United early on this season with six goals in eight games.
Wilson’s confidence in front of goal is the only bright spot in the Magpies’ attack this season. Steve Bruce continues to experiment with different formations, and his decision to play multiple players out of position continues to frustrate the Toon Army.
When looking at the squad, this is the best Newcastle United team since the side that finished fifth in the 2011-12 campaign, but the problem is that Bruce does not know how to utilize this talent. Nearly 18 months on the job and Bruce is still trying to configure his strongest lineup and shape.
In my opinion, which I believe is shared among most supporters, the best formation for this team at the moment is the 4-2-3-1, with Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin on the wings, and Miguel Almiron up the middle behind Callum Wilson.
However, we have only seen this setup once this season against Wolves, but despite playing the quartet together, Bruce instructed the team to park the bus.
That being said, an interesting question has emerged on Twitter asking fans if they would like to see Rangers boss Steven Gerrard take charge of the Toon, and many fans said they would definitely like to see him as the manager of Newcastle United. See the tweet and comments below:
https://twitter.com/agbnufc/status/1325483314120171522?s=21
A Good Fit for Newcastle United?
Overall, my answer to this is yes. Gerrard is considered a rookie when his years of managerial experience are compared to other managers in the Premier League, but his transformation of Rangers deserves praise, especially this season.
With the pressure of stopping Celtic from writing history this season on his shoulders, the Liverpool legend has the Light Blues in the top spot in the Scottish Premiership.
Moreover, Rangers are full of confidence when playing in Europe as the Scottish giants are currently in first place in their Europa League group, and they made a deep run in the same tournament last season. What truly stands out with Gerrard is the way he sets up his team.
His preferred 4-3-3 shape has given life to impressive, entertaining football in Glasgow, and Newcastle United fans want to see that style of play at St. James’ Park.
With the talent Newcastle United have in midfield and on the front line, Gerrard is certainly capable of getting the best out of those players.
For now, however, fans just need to get used to seeing Bruce calling the shots on the sideline. Mike Ashley’s yes man is not going anywhere any time soon.
This proposal of pursuing Gerrard as the next manager is not a bad idea at all, though, and if Gerrard wins the Scottish title with Rangers this season he could be ready for a new challenge next summer.