Bruce speaks out - Confirms Staveley talks, snaps at journalist, discusses future & £8m pay-off
Steve Bruce has spoken out for the first time following last Thursday's Saudi-backed takeover at St James' Park.
The 60-year-old has confirmed he had face-to-face talks lasting '10-15 minutes' with Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi on Monday, insisting they are 'very good people' who were 'hugely respectful.'
As for his future, Bruce says he's been told to 'carry on until I hear otherwise' - although it seems the discussions he had with the new owners centred more around the team, injuries and Sunday's game.
Bruce has also hit back at an unnamed journalist, saying the media have got it wrong all week about his immediate future, with a host of reporters claiming he would be sacked BEFORE this weekend's clash with Spurs.
The NUFC boss has also insisted it's 'not about the money' when asked about his alleged £8m pay-off should he be relieved of his duties.
Finally, Bruce also looked forward to 'exciting times' on Tyneside, saying the arrival of ambitious new owners will not only benefit for the football club but the entire city.
Here's what he's had to say:
Bruce on Monday's meeting with Staveley and Ghodoussi:
"I met the new owners on Monday when they visited the training ground.
"I had a 10-15 minute conversation with them - they're very decent people and were hugely respectful.
"It was very informal and and they're very good people.
"We talked about the team, injuries, it was very informal - they just said carry on until I hear otherwise’.
"That's as far as it's gone."
Bruce on assurances over his future:
Bruce on journalists who claimed he'd be sacked this week:
"I have tried to keep my dignity. But I hope you guys (journalists) are getting a slap from your bosses, getting a bit of heat.
"The information was wrong, wasn’t it? You haven’t done your job properly.
"Whoever it was feeding you information, they didn’t get it right."
Bruce on reports of £8m pay-off:
"Oh, that's a really awful question to start with,"
"Compensations and all the rest of it. It's not all about money with me. Not at all.
"I want to be the manager of Newcastle, that's not going to change.
"Who wouldn't want to be? Especially now.
"All I'm trying to do is focus on Sunday, get a result, and see what happens after that.
"I’ll have a crack."
Bruce on NUFC's future under new owners:
"Take me out of the equation - for a Newcastle fan, it's fantastic news.
"What it's needed for a while is someone who's going to invest, and the most important thing at any club is investing in players - and that's going to be implemented."
"Exciting times ahead, great for the club, absolutely fantastic for the city of Newcastle, too.
"Any time there's a negative at the top end of any football club, it's a problem.
"That's now fixed. The fans all want to get behind the new owners and the new way forward. I'm sure the good times are upon us."
"Bring it on, and let's enjoy the ride."
Bruce on the human rights issues surrounding Saudi Arabia:
"That's for politicians and all the rest of them to look into that.
"It's a great thing for the city and team too.
"I hope there are exciting times ahead for the area and the fans."
