Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder has defended Steve Bruce’s time at Newcastle United.
Bruce will bring his current side, West Brom, to the North East tonight to face Boro as he looks to secure his first win since taking over the Midlands side earlier this month.
It was Bruce’s first job since leaving Newcastle back in October 2021 following the Saudi-led takeover of the club.
At that time, Newcastle were winless in the Premier League and second bottom in the table.
Bruce in the eyes of many should have been relieved of his duties months earlier after a horrible run that saw him win just two in 23 games but Wilder has defended his time in charge.
Speaking to our sister paper Gazette Live , Wilder said: “He could have never turned that job [at Newcastle] down. The way that club has changed now…
“Listen, I’m not going to get into a battle with Newcastle fans. They’re passionate about their football club, as all fans in the North East are, and as all fans where I come from are as well.
“I’m not being controversial here. Eddie Howe has gone in and will do a fantastic job. He’s got them going and got them winning.
“But the supporters are right behind him and they were never behind Steve. He couldn’t ever turn that down, but it was a different time and a different feel to the club.
“You ask any of the players there that played under Steve. Saint-Maximin loved Steve. We all saw the quotes as he left about how he was as a man and a manager.
“You ask any player how easier it is to play at St James’ Park now than it was then?
“That’s what we’re all trying to create. That environment in a home game that allows the players to express themselves to give themselves the best possible opportunity. When the ball comes to them they’re not being booed or heckled. There’s no criticism.
“A lot’s happened, and I don’t want to get caught up too much in that because Newcastle fans will know their club better than I do, but from a player’s point of view and a manager’s point of view, that can be quite a difficult place to play football.
“It was always going to be difficult for Steve because he was appointed by someone who the supporters just weren’t having.
“Now people look at his West Brom side and reel stats off but what about all the promotions he’s won? Steve is a good manager.”
Since Bruce’s appointment at West Brom, he’s overseen two defeats and one draw.
