Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Ian McGarry reveals Chris Wilder is in the running to replace Steve Bruce

|
Image for Newcastle United: Ian McGarry reveals Chris Wilder is in the running to replace Steve Bruce

Ian McGarry has been speaking on the latest episode of The Transfer Window podcast, where he revealed Chris Wilder is being lined up to replace Steve Bruce. 

The former Sheffield United boss departed Bramall Lane last week after five years with his hometown club, guiding them from League One to the Premier League during his time in charge.

Although the Blades’ form dropped off this season, Wilder is highly regarded in the game and has been outlined by the Newcastle hierarchy as the man to possibly come in and save the Magpies’ season, according to McGarry.

The St. James’ Park outfit have only won two of their last 17 league games under Bruce and are hovering just one place and two points above the relegation zone.

They travel to the Amex Stadium on Saturday evening to take on a Brighton side immediately above them in the table, and McGarry revealed that if the Seagulls are victorious over the weekend, it could spell the end for Bruce at Newcastle.

He said: “We bring you news now of the possibility, which has been talked about, of the departure of Newcastle United’s manager Steve Bruce and the possibility of him being replaced should they lose to Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium this coming weekend.

“Chris Wilder, who departed Sheffield United after a long-running and antagonistic relationship with the club’s hierarchy over transfers and investment, who’s still waiting for his lawyers to agree on a compensation package, we understand, is in the running to replace Steve Bruce – something which Sheffield United are aware of and therefore are stalling on the compensation package, on the basis that of course, that would depreciate if you were to take another high-paid job immediately after leaving Bramall Lane.”

TIF Thoughts on Wilder…

There’s no doubting the incredible job that Wilder did at Sheffield United, and it’s unsurprising to see the Englishman immediately linked to another top job in the domestic game.

Bruce has been under pressure in the north-east for many months now, and his side could be dragged into the relegation zone if results don’t go their way in the upcoming set of fixtures.

Whether the 53-year-old would relish working under Mike Ashley’s ownership is another question, though, with the controversial figure not known for backing his managers in the transfer market, something which led to Wilder’s exit at Bramall Lane.

Share this article