Exclusive: Major Newcastle manager update, pundit fears for Bruce
Noel Whelan insisted Steve Bruce deserves to stay at Newcastle United at least until the end of the season amid fears he is a dead man walking.
The former Leeds United forward, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, urged the prospective new owners to treat the 59-year-old with the “respect he deserves” even if they choose to install another manager at St. James’ Park.
As reported Football Insider, the Saudi Arabia-backed consortium who are in the process of buying the Magpies have set their sights on a “world-beater” manager to aid the club’s summer recruitment drive and take them to the next level.
Fans’ favourite Rafael Benitez has been linked with a sensational return to Tyneside having left less than a year ago to join Chinese side Dalian Yifang.
The takeover is expected to take up to three weeks whilst the Premier League ratify the deal, long-awaited by the Toon.
When asked by Football Insider if Bruce should be given an opportunity to further prove himself, Whelan said: “Steve Bruce deserves a crack. He has done very well since taking over.
“At the very minimum finish the season. He will keep them in the Premier League and that will allow him to get another move because he has done a great job at Newcastle.
“As long as they are honest with Steve. If in the end, if it is not Steve he will shake their hand, walk away and get another job. But it has got to be done the right way.
“They have to look after Steve, do it the right way and show him the respect that he deserves.”
Bruce has won 12 of his 35 matches in charge of the Magpies who currently sit 13th and eight points clear of the relegation zone.
However, Football Insider has learned a takeover would see the club’s aspirations transformed and just avoiding relegation unlikely to cut the mustard.
In other Newcastle United news, Danny Mills has told Football Insider the timing of the takeover is “bizarre” amid the Coronavirus pandemic.