‘He will’ - Newcastle United star took 24 hours to debunk bizarre Steve Bruce myth

Arsenal legend Paul Merson riled up Newcastle United supporters by praising Steve Bruce’s ability to improve players.

The former Toon boss ended a two-year hiatus from football by taking the Blackpool job earlier this month. Despite achieving the bare minimum at St James’ Park by keeping the Magpies up on a tight budget, Bruce remains an unpopular figure on Tyneside.

Previous Sunderland connections got him off to a dire start, with concerns over the style of player also irking supporters. Perhaps most frustrating for Toon fans, however, was Bruce’s defeatist attitude in press conferences.

Geordie Journos on ShotsTV! Reaction to Wolves win & Eddie Howe selection calls

Eddie Howe has since rejuvenated several Newcastle players since replacing Bruce following the Saudi-backed takeover. Joelinton, Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar helped the club reach the Champions League and are the most notable examples.

The latter - frozen out by Bruce in favour of Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez - bagged a long-range equaliser against Wolverhampton Wanderers just hours after Merson’s comments. Gunners hero Merson puzzled Newcastle supporters by hailing Bruce’s coaching skills as one of his best qualities. 

“I think it’s a great appointment for them,” he told Sky Sports. “When managers go in, their job is to improve players. That is it. Good coaches improve players.

“He will go in and improve them - that’s a bonus. He’s experienced, he’s been around the block and knows football, loves football. I was with him not long ago. He will go in there and improve them.

“With his experience, he won’t be listening to the fans behind him. He will go in, know his team, what they’re good and not good at, and be strong enough to do that. He’ll be solid and I think it’s a good appointment. Hopefully he’ll still be there when I get to Blackpool.”