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Jermaine Jenas has told BT Sport that he believes Newcastle United have overachieved under the guidance of Steve Bruce this season – and compared Bruce’s work this season, to Rafa Benitez’s efforts as manager last term.
Bruce was appointed as manager to huge criticism after Benitez was allowed to leave, despite wanting to stay on Tyneside. The Toon finished in 13th place on 45 points, 11 above the relegation zone.
The Toon remain in 13th place in the Premier League this season, eight points behind 10th-placed Burnley. With two games left, Bruce has the chance to guide Newcastle to more than the 45 points secured by Benitez.
Former Newcastle midfielder has claimed that Newcastle have overachieved again this season – despite winning just one of their last seven games – and thinks Bruce has done a better job than Benitez.
“The players deserve a lot of credit. They’ve had to change system at times, criticised for not scoring enough goals. They’ve put in some excellent performances, and taken a lot of negativity off the club from off the pitch.”
TBR’s view – Bruce deserves Newcastle backing, takeover or not
Benitez produced a 13th-placed finish and 45 points with the enormous love and affection of Newcastle fans. Bruce has produced near enough the same without that, and with the looking doubt of a difficult takeover.
His job has been scrutinised over and over again. Firstly because he struggled to begin with, and then because bigger names have been linked as is such with a takeover. But Bruce deserves the love from fans, and backing.
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