Premier League English

Ex-Prem striker claims Steve Bruce ‘deserves’ new Newcastle deal

Former Premier League striker Dean Saunders says Steve Bruce deserves a new contract at Newcastle United just “for working with Mike Ashley” with his “hands tied”.

Bruce left Sheffield Wednesday to take charge of Newcastle United ahead of the 2019/20 season, with the former Sunderland boss penning a three-year deal in July 2019.

Newcastle had a steady first season under Bruce in 2019/20 finishing13th in the Premier League. Then last season saw them plummeting down the table mid-season but they finally managed to complete the campaign well to end up 12th.

News emerged last week that the Newcastle boss is set to be offered a new three-year contract and Saunders has spoken about these claims during an appearance on talkSPORT saying he believes that Bruce deserves a new deal:

“He [Bruce] gets criticized for the team not playing attractive football but I think he deserves a new contract.

“For working with Mike Ashley, he deserves a new contract.

“Well, he has got his hands tied, [but still] they finished 13th.

“He is not shopping in the top shelf; he is shopping three stores down somewhere to try and get his players.

“So, he has been given the minimum amount of money and if keeps Newcastle in the league, I think he has done a good job.”