Exclusive: Ex-Bruce favourite makes big manager claim as Newcastle finalise takeover
Alan Hutton has made the bold claim that Steve Bruce has what it takes to deliver an attacking brand of football for a big-spending Newcastle United when the takeover is finalised.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Bruce favourite insists his old boss can turn the Magpies into an exciting team to watch given the right players.
Sky Sports report that the former Hull and Aston Villa manager will be given time by the consortium, fronted by Amanda Staveley, to prove himself as the right man for the job.
Bruce and Newcastle have come under fire for their pragmatic style of football this season, the Magpies sitting as the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League.
Hutton insists that new and ambitious owners will be looking for their side to play exciting football and claims that the current man in the dugout can adapt to deliver just that.
Hutton told Football Insider: “When you look at it, when new powers come in, it’s obviously a worrying time for everyone underneath, whether that be manager or players, it’s a case of starting again.
“An owner coming in and spending a lot of money is going to want success. They’ve obviously given Steve Bruce a time frame to see if he makes his objectives if you like. It depends where they want to go and where they see themselves.
“Do they see themselves getting back to the top six and spending a lot of money? If that’s the case, it’s about the style of football you play – you want to be playing attractive football, winning games.”
Asked by Football Insider if he thought Bruce could adapt to managing a higher quality of player, Hutton said: “I think he’s done a great job. Yes, some fans might not be happy with the way he plays in certain games but it is effective.
“If you want to reach that top level, you have to be playing free-flowing, exciting football and it’s whether he can do that or not. I think he can, he’s definitely got that.
“If you’re at a team who has top, top players defensively and attacking, midfield, he will be able to play that style of football. If Newcastle bring in a standard of player that they’re talking about, I’m sure he’d be able to handle those type of egos and push them forward.”
In other Newcastle United news, the new owners have been tipped to get rid of a firm fan favourite this summer.