Steve Bruce makes bold new transfer claim - & NUFC fans are struggling to believe it..
Steve Bruce has insisted that he is not a 'puppet' and is 'in charge of transfers' at Newcastle United - suggesting it's 'nonsense' that some have reported otherwise.
Given he's been appointed as 'head coach' (not 'manager' like Rafa Benitez), coupled with the fact it's been widely reported that head of recruitment Steve Nickson will now have more influence on the transfer front, it's fair to say Bruce's comments have been met with scepticism from fans on social media.
He may have the 'final say' to an extent (e.g he said yes to a move for Joelinton as soon as he arrives), but that doesn't mean he's the man identifying the targets and getting the exact players he wants.
Here's what he's had to say when speaking to the press earlier this morning:
“I don’t really want to go into specifics.
“There are have been a couple of things written, some of the comments.
“The big one is am I going to sit here and be a puppet? That won’t happen. I am in charge of transfers.”
"It's like most football clubs. I will have the final say on transfers.
"I have read all kinds of nonsense that I won't. I will work hard to make sure I work with the chief scout.
"The policy is like most other clubs. Identifying the players and making sure we fit in. I will have control of who we bring in."
A prime example is the Joelinton deal. He was a player offered to Rafa, so someone the CLUB had identified - not Bruce. He may give the 'green light', but I'm quite certain he's not 'in charge' - especially when Mike Ashley's transfer blue print will mean players over the age of 26 are not allowed.
Here's what Bruce then had to say about potential incomings, saying the club are 'active' in the transfer market 'as we speak':
"We want to make a couple of acquisitions at least.
"With the loss of Perez and Rondon where we have to immediately take a look.
"Make no mistake we ARE active as we speak. Hopefully, we will get them over the line."
