On the latest edition of the Pitch to Post podcast, Sky Sports journalist Nick Wright has been speaking about Newcastle United’s recent upturn in form.
The Toon have enjoyed a four-game unbeaten run with victories over West Ham and Burnley and then draws against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, which have boosted their hopes of Premier League survival.
Will Bruce stay next season?
Yes
No
Newcastle have now clawed themselves nine points clear of 18th-placed Fulham with just five games remaining of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.
The Toon’s recent form has coincided with the return from injury for both Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson with the Frenchman playing a huge role in their win at Turf Moor.
However, Wright believes the Newcastle boss, Steve Bruce, should be given a lot of credit for their recent form which has seen them move closer to Premier League survival.
He said: “I think you have to give a lot of credit to the manager, actually. He’s done really well to weather the storm from sort of that February time that you were talking about.
“And at that point, it really did seem things were kind of spiralling out of control for him there didn’t it and the side were kind of basically sinking like a stone but they do look in a much better place now.
“And I know Newcastle fans have more ambition than battling off relegation. But I think Bruce has done well, in these circumstances at this time.”
TIF Thoughts on Wright’s comments…
Bruce has received an awful lot of criticism this season with the fans, in particular, showing their frustration towards their manager with protests outside of St. James’ Park.
But is it a coincidence that Newcastle’s recent form coincides with the return of arguably their best two players?
Newcastle found themselves trailing at Burnley last month; however, the introduction of Saint-Maximin in the second half and two moments of magic from the 24-year-old completely shifted the momentum of the game.
Perhaps Bruce deserves praise for not quitting, but is he the reason behind their recent form?
In other news: ‘He’s devastated’, ‘Utterly clueless’ – Lots of NUFC fans fume as Bruce quotes emerge