Steve Bruce has ruled himself out of the potential Newcastle United vacancy, insisting he still has work to do at Hull City.
With Alan Pardew widely expected to quit St James’ Park to succeed Neil Warnock at Crystal Palace, Bruce has been mentioned as a potential option for the Magpies. Although a former manager of archrivals Sunderland, thee 54-year-old is a Geordie and grew up supporting the club, something he has never made any attempt of hiding no matter where employed.
Although Hull are currently being dragged into a relegation fight in the Premier League, Bruce is considered to be one of the best homegrown manager’s around. He led the Tigers to promotion in 2012-13, and last season to the FA Cup final where they lost to Arsenal. And even if his boyhood heroes come calling for his services, he insists his job at the KC Stadium is not yet finished.
“People know that I am from Newcastle, I was a Newcastle supporter as a boy and it has been regurgitated since I was a 22-year-old playing for Norwich [City] and Gillingham,” he said. “For that obvious reason every time I am linked with them. It’s very flattering as I’m a Geordie but that’s it. I have a job to do here and it would be wrong for me to think of anything else.
“It would be wrong for the speculation to keep carrying on. I am determined to see this through and make sure we stay in the Premier League and build on the good work we have done. I have had three offers in the two and a half years I have been here and I have turned them all down so I think the chairman knows the way I feel and why would I want to leave now?”
Meanwhile, reports continue to grow that Mike Ashley may give John Carver a chance as Newcastle’s next manager. The 49-year-old has been assistant manager at the club since 2011, and also between 1994 and 2001. Yet despite his popularity at the club amongst its staff and support, it is likely that the fans would prefer to see a big-name appointment replace Pardew.
If given a firm offer, do you think Bruce would walk out on Hull for Newcastle? Let us know what you think by joining the discussion below.
