The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has hinted that there may be a possible extension clause in Steve Bruce’s contract with Newcastle United.
Following a stint with Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday, the Toon appointed the 59-year-old manager in the summer of 2019 (per BBC).
The Englishman was given a three-year contract at St. James’ Park which is set to run until the summer of 2022.
However, in the club’s announcement regarding Bruce’s deal, the post stated that it was an ‘initial’ three-year contract which the manager had been given (per Newcastle United).
During the latest episode of The Athletic’s Pod On The Tyne podcast, Waugh suggested that this wording may have hinted that there is a clause in the Englishman’s contract.
He said: “I think this was almost overlooked at the time, and maybe this [is] reading too much into it, but these things are put out specifically-worded.
“When Newcastle appointed Steve Bruce, I’ve just pulled it up on the website, they said, ‘signed an initial three-year contract’.
“So, what Newcastle have done with a lot of players is that there are options for a lot of players.
“I’m not saying that definitively there is in Steve Bruce’s contract, but that leaves open the possibility that there is and it’s interesting wording in itself.”
TIF Thoughts on what Chris Waugh said about a possible clause in Steve Bruce’s contract…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, he believes that there could be a possible extension clause in Bruce’s contract due to the wording in the club’s announcement.
Do you hope Steve Bruce has an extension clause in his contact?
No, he needs to go
Yes, he does a good job
While there have been some ‘reservations‘ from supporters about the 59-year-old manager’s time at the club, he has led a fairly steady ship in the North East having finished 13th last season and currently occupying the same position (per Transfermarkt).
However, with over £100m spent on players since Bruce arrived at St. James’ Park, then perhaps Toon fans should be expecting more than just a steady ship from the Englishman.
So, while a possible clause in Bruce’s contract may mean the manager stays in Newcastle for longer, perhaps supporters would prefer a manager that provides some form of progression.