Former Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has hailed the support he received last season from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola following his tumultuous spell on Tyneside.
Arriving at St James' Park back in 2019, Bruce's time in the Newcastle dugout was certainly eventful. Appointed by Mike Ashley to replace fan favourite Rafael Benitez, Bruce's Newcastle produced plenty of insipid performances which saw him come in for plenty of criticism from supporters.
While some of that criticism was absolutely valid, some of it strayed into territory that was personal and unfair.
READ MORE: 'I believe in him': Eddie Howe's words of encouragement to Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis
It would be unfair to malign the entire Newcastle fanbase for this criticism, but there were certainly some supporters who took it too far.
It even prompted the likes of Guardiola and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to offer up a staunch defence of Bruce. And in an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Bruce has revealed the supported he received from managers Guardiola and Arteta meant a lot to him personally.
“The things Pep said about me, that he wanted to see me back and to ignore the abuse," said Bruce.
“That meant a lot. The things [Mikel] Arteta said, that I was one of the most important managers of the last 20 years… The respect they had for me, it was very flattering.
"I’d been ridiculed at Newcastle and there was no respect shown to me or my staff and they picked up on that. They didn’t like it, that’s one of the things everyone said to me [when I left]."
Bruce's time on Tyneside came to an end last season following the takeover of Newcastle in October 2021.
At the time, the 61-year-old said "I think this might be my last job" following his departure from St James'. However, within the space of a few months, Bruce was back in a job with West Bromwich Albion in the Championship.
And the former Newcastle boss admitted his love for the game was what caused him to pull a managerial u-turn as he reflected upon his two years in charge of the Magpies.
“It was a very emotional experience," Bruce added. "I was happy for Newcastle and what the takeover would bring, but I wasn’t wanted and it has been a rough few months.
“I struggled with it, if I’m honest. Everything built up. I just thought, at that time, it was the right time to finish. Come out of the game and do something else with whatever time I have left in this life.
“Then October, November, December and January come through and I’m at home watching football thinking, 'I miss it…'. How could I not? Football is what I know, it’s what I’ve done for more than 40 years. I missed being around the lads, the players, picking a team, preparing a team.
“When you win on a Saturday afternoon it’s the greatest bloody job in the world. I absolutely love it. But you don’t always win, when you’re at some of the clubs I’ve managed. It’s a fight for survival every year and it’s tough. It takes its toll. Unless you’re one of the top fellas, with the best teams, you lose too many games."
READ NEXT
I wouldn't say no - Eddie Howe response when asked about signing Portugal's best players
Werner's agency refuse to comment on Newcastle link as huge wage demands emerge
Botman's candid story of Newcastle switch after AC Milan claimed victory on deal
Newcastle United can offer Timo Werner what he wants after Chelsea exit comments
Joelinton suspension explained after Newcastle United star sees red in Benfica clash
