When he was Villa's manager, he completely lost the plot. He was blaming everyone, and making terrible decisions left and right. Our best player (Jack Grealish) was being played at left mid when we literally signed a left mid in the window. He had left backs and right backs playing center back. We started last season with 1 center back that desperately needed a knee operation, and 1 loaned in center back who Bruce played at right back. That is it. Despite having 2 center backs, Bruce played a 3 at the back at times with 1 left back, and 2 right backs making up the back 3. When our new manager came in, he said our team was so incredibly unfit, and numerous players backed up that claim. Bruce is washed up, and Newcastle are in a lot of trouble.
I think Benitez would have gotten some money like Bruce did, but it likely was going to be a pretty minuscule amount. Benitez believed Newcastle could actually challenge for Europa which would require funds that Ashley wasn't willing to give. Also Benitez's contract was up, so it wouldn't surprise me that Ashley also didn't want to renew his 6million a year deal. Probably was half that since Bruce is reportedly on 1 million. My old college roommate is a die hard Newcastle fan, so I am fairly up to date with them. He think Newcastle will go down this year, and I do as well.
Maybe not if the team get sold before the January transfer window...but otherwise looking pretty grim.
I can never understand how Steve Bruce and Mark Hughes keep getting hired on as managers. They are the epitome of mediocrity.
He's becoming overrated in the Cherundolo/Cameron degree. Decent/reliable player for a crappy midtable club in a top 3 Euro league.
Competition for Yedlin signed today: Emil Krafth [a Right Back] Defender — Amiens to Newcastle United £5m
I think LouisianaViking07/09 asked me a little while back whether I would sign a new right back if I were the manage of Newcastle. I said yes then. Many on this thread thought that right back would not be a priority at Newcastle.