Steve Bruce said he’d never dreamed of managing Newcastle back in 2009

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When Steve Bruce was appointed manager of Sunderland back in 2009, he told the Chronicle that being boss of Newcastle had never been a dream of his.

Today, he was confirmed as manager by the club’s official website and gave an emotive statement – which may be rendered hollow by his previous comments.

In 2009, he said: “Managing Newcastle has never been my dream. This opportunity at Sunderland has everything I want. Everything you look for as a manager is here at Sunderland. This is a big club with a big history and a long tradition.”

But the statement upon arrival at St James’ Park said: “I’m delighted and incredibly proud. This is my boyhood club and it was my dad’s club, so this is a very special moment for me and my family.”

Perhaps Bruce was trying to play down his Newcastle affection when appointed as boss of their bitter rivals – but his previous comments take some sheen off what he’s said more recently.

It’s more likely that Bruce has eyed an unlikely opportunity to get back into the top flight and in leaving Sheffield Wednesday, he has made it plain that he’s only really interested in saying and doing what’s best for him.

Newcastle fans won’t be swayed by what Bruce has to say and it’ll take more than words to shake the suspicion that he’s just a puppet for Mike Ashley.