Bruce breaks silence on Mike Ashley statement, deadline day disaster & Choudhury interest
If you were hoping to see Steve Bruce hit back at Mike Ashley for what turned out to be a disastrous end to the transfer window for Newcastle United, you'll be disappointed by his comments today.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference this morning, the NUFC boss has admitted he wanted to bring a 'couple' more players in, also confirming that he did try and sign Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury.
That said, he's defended the club's transfer policy and the laughable transfer statement Mike Ashley put out last week to defend our lack of activity over the summer - a move that did little to suggest he's not the 'yes man' many believe him to be!
Here's what he's had to say when asked about all of the above, along with his thoughts on facing Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday:
Bruce on the lack of signings:
"You can only pick 25, and to enable us to strengthen, we had to do a bit of trading. We were unable to do that.
"My aim is never to have a huge squad, in terms of numbers - but would have liked it to be strengthened."
"I would have liked to have brought another couple in. For one reason or another, that didn’t materialise.
"I was aware from the outset – we know the policy of the club – how difficult it was going to be."
Bruce on the club's transfer statement:
"It is what it is. It doesn't make any difference about being comfortable [with it] or disappointed.
"The statement came out and the policy is what it is."
"I made it pretty clear I'd have liked to have brought a couple in.
"I have to get on with & that's the top and bottom of it.
"I have to keep trying to improve us and never be satisfied."
Bruce on Choudhury:
"Whether I was in for him?
"He was one of the few we were looking at yes."
Bruce on Ronaldo:
