Live

Repeat: Off The Ball

10:00 PM-12:00 AM

Repeat: Off The Ball
Advertisement
Soccer

Steve Bruce needs to go so Newcastle can make "a statement of intent" | Damien Delaney

Former Premier League player Damien Delaney joined The Football Show on Monday to discuss Steve ...



Steve Bruce needs to go so New...
Soccer

Steve Bruce needs to go so Newcastle can make "a statement of intent" | Damien Delaney

Former Premier League player Damien Delaney joined The Football Show on Monday to discuss Steve Bruce and Newcastle.

The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund that took over Newcastle is worth £320 billion.

That is 14 times more than the Manchester City owners.

While financial fair play rules may limit how much spending Newcastle can enjoy in January, big changes are coming. Steve Bruce will be the first change. Newcastle can spend as much money as they like on a new manager.

Newcastle lost 3-2 to Tottenham on Sunday. It was the first game since the takeover and the new Saudi Arabian owners were in the stands.

Back in 2008, Damien Delaney signed for QPR. QPR underwent a takeover similar to that of Newcastle, but on a smaller scale. Delaney was one of 12 new signings brought in to elevate the club to a new level. It was a smaller-scale takeover but a similar experience for the players involved.

Delaney recalls the excitement amongst the players because of the financial injection.

"It was a great atmosphere to be involved in," Delaney said.

"But I do remember a lot of the players who were there who were being ushered out, it can be very, very difficult. Speed is going to be crucial for these guys. They're going to have to make a statement sooner or later. A statement of intent.

"Expectancy is through the roof and they want to utilize that. They want to use it and ride that wave of optimism. That's why I think Steve Bruce won't be around much longer."

While Delaney believes that Bruce is about to lose his job, he doesn't necessarily think he deserves to lose his job. Bruce will land on his feet.

"I like Steve Bruce. I think he's done a pretty good job in a difficult situation.

"This is not a slight on Steve Bruce one way or another. It really isn't. I'm pretty sure if Steve Bruce had more funds or if it was operated a little bit differently maybe he could have got more out of the squad. But I think he's done enough at Newcastle to warrant getting another Premier League job.

"The good thing is for him he's going to get paid up in full. When they do decide to pick a manager, Steve Bruce can quite easily say I want every penny of what my contract is. The owners won't want to delay. More than likely they're just going to give him every penny just to move him on."

Bruce will receive £8 million when he is fired. Mike Ashley retained him to avoid paying that sum. The Suadi Arabian owners will not be concerned about paying it so there are no barriers to save him.

Mohammed Bin Salman is the ruler of Saudi Arabia and the chairman of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. Yasir Al-Rumayyan will be the Newcastle chairman. He is the PIF’s governor and wields huge political influence in the country.

Amanda Staveley is a minority owner and British businesswoman who is attempting to act as the face of the takeover.

Staveley denies that the Saudi Arabia has any influence on Newcastle,

"Our partner is not the Saudi state, our partner is PIF," Stavely said.

“It’s not sportswashing at all. This is very much about the PIF’s investment into a fantastic football team and fantastic club. We look forward to growing the club.”

Newcastle have three points so far this season. They have not won a Premier League game yet this year and are only ahead of Norwich in the relegation zone. Newcastle play 12 league games before the January transfer window opens.

How many of those games will Steve Bruce be in charge for?

Robbie Brady signs for Bournemouth.

 

Football on Off The Ball, brought to you by Sky. All the football you love in one place across Sky Sports, BT Sport & Premier Sports 

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.