What Newcastle United fans seek in a manager
By Durim Halimi
Newcastle United need to part ways with Steve Bruce… effective immediately.
The straw that broke the camel’s back fell yesterday when Newcastle United disgraced the entire north east with their terrible performance against Sheffield United.
The Blades entered that game as the worst team in the Premier League after being winless in the first 18 games of the season, but they made the Magpies look like the worst team in the top flight.
Actually, that is not true. Newcastle United have looked like the worst team in the Premier League for quite some time now. Steve Bruce has his words mixed up as he clearly does not know the meaning of the word “progress”.
When looking at the team on paper, Newcastle United should be a long way from the bottom three and in the top ten discussion. Bruce’s ultra-defensive tactics, constant lineup rotation, and deploying multiple players out of position have held this team back in a big way, and the style of football makes the Toon a laughing stock among fans of every other club.
How Bruce got the job in the first place is a million dollar question, but Mike Ashley would be making the right call by sacking Bruce right now. The results have been poor, consistency has been non-existent, and the relationship between Bruce and the fans is best described as toxic.
#BruceOut is the most common tweet associated with Newcastle United, and that says it all. That being said, here are key attributes that fans are seeking in a new manager, if that day ever comes.
Winning Mentality
This does not mean Newcastle United are expected to win every game. Not at all. We, as fans, are not as delusional as the media make us out to be. What that means is the club needs a manager who enters each game with the mindset of trying to win first.
With Bruce, the game plan has been far too predictable, and it is usually centered on trying to stay in the game to earn a point. This is certainly reflected in his setups against relegation-threatened sides.
Newcastle United need to play with more confidence from the opening whistle the same way teams like Aston Villa and Southampton have been doing this season.
Balanced Formation
Bruce has been far too experimental on the job. Despite the fact that 18 months have gone by he still does not know his best team, let alone his best formation.
The Magpies need a manager who has two or three preferred shapes for different scenarios, but constantly playing five at the back is a big no-no, especially with the dynamic talent in the squad across midfield.
Respect the Crest
Lee Ryder – the Chief Editor for the Chronicle – put it best last night when he said the performance at Bramall Lane was “an insult to the club crest.” Fans simply want a team that will roll up their sleeves and compete week in and week out.
If a manager can get his players to regularly give it their all for 90 minutes that is the greatest sign of respect they can give to club supporters. Simply put, the team needs a manager who sets high standards and holds players accountable for dips in form and lack of urgency.
Next. Elliot Anderson deserves more minutes. dark
Click the following links to read recommendations we have made, or reacted to, in regard to replacing Steve Bruce: