Steve Bruce has admitted his biggest challenge as Newcastle United boss will be winning over the club’s diehard fanbase, but he is determined to grasp his ‘big opportunity’ with both hands.
The former Sheffield Wednesday boss was named as Rafa Benitez’s successor earlier this month, sparking a furious response from large sections of the Toon faithful.
There has even been talk of disgruntled fans boycotting the club’s opening game of the Premier League season against Arsenal on August 11.
Speaking exclusively on talkSPORT’s Kick Off show on Monday night, Bruce said he understands the frustration surrounding his appointment – admitting he isn’t ‘everybody’s cup of tea’ – but vowed to do all he can to push his boyhood club on and prove a success in the job.
Speaking exclusively on Kick Off, Bruce said: “It’s all been a bit of a blur so far, but I’ve really enjoyed it.
“My dad used to say to me I was mad full stop getting into management!
“I really couldn’t turn this job down again. The easiest thing to do would have been to say no, but I wanted to have a crack.
“Newcastle never leaves you and I wanted to have a go.
“I was happy and settled in Sheffield, but the Wednesday chairman [Dejphon Chansiri] understood my decision and we shook hands and wished each other all the best.”
He continued: “My biggest challenge is to win over the support and the challenge to the team is to try and take it forward in the way we are going to play.
“The big thing that disappoints me is getting labelled with this ‘dinosaur’ thing. We [in conversation with Simon Jordan] played three at the back at Crystal Palace 20 years ago and one off the front. We were one of first teams to do it!
“You get labelled with this dinosaur tag and being old school. There is nothing wrong with old school. But of course you have to embrace what the whole job is now. The biggest thing I have to overcome are these doubts.”
On the threat of a fans’ boycott, Bruce said: “Whether that boycott will take place, your guess is as good as mine.
“I saw a so-called demonstration the other day – there were 12 people involved in it. It can sometimes be blown out of proportion.
“I’m convinced that, come the first game of the season, the supporters will be like they always are – right behind their team.
Click Here: bape jacket cheap
“I’m not everybody’s cup of tea with getting the job. I understand that, but I will give it as good a go as I can do.
“Hopefully the experiences that I’ve had over these past 20 years will stand me in good stead.”
He added: “One thing I do know is that the Newcastle fans, come the start of the season, will be there cheering on their team like no other club can.
“They have been been incredible with their support for the club over the years. I just hope I can keep them moving forward and give them something to shout about.
“Rafa was that popular with the fans here that whoever was going to come in had big boots to fill.
“There aren’t too many Rafa Benitez’s around who have been as successful as he’s been and won the Champions League.
“So there was always going to be an adverse reaction. I completely understand that and it’s up to me now to prove people wrong by getting results on the field.
“This is my big opportunity in management, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve had to wait a while for it, but I’m determined to be a success at this magnificent football club.”
Adrian Durham & Darren Gough on Rafa Benitez’s decision to leave Newcastle this summer
It has been 50 years since Newcastle last won a trophy and Bruce is desperate to be the man to bring silverware back to St James’ Park.
He said: “I hope I can get this football club over the line in terms of winning a trophy.
“I’m not that naive to think we can win the Premier League, but we’ve got to be having a go with one of the trophies.”