‘Pretty obvious’ - Steve Bruce namechecks Alan Shearer when assessing Newcastle United’s future under PIF
Newcastle United had a taste of Champions League football this season and want to make that a regular occurrence in the coming years
Steve Bruce believes Newcastle United are “on the rise” and destined to become a European powerhouse.
The 63-year-old provided the first major dilemma for PIF following the Saudi-backed takeover in October 2021. As the incumbent manager, Bruce was unpopular with supporters and Newcastle were rooted to the relegation zone.
He managed the first game of the post-Mike Ashley era - his 1,000th as a coach - before being given the bullet. Eddie Howe arrived and Newcastle have been on an upwards trajectory since - reaching the Champions League in his first full season at St James’ Park.
European football is within sight again providing the Magpies do not slip up against Brentford this weekend. As for Bruce, he almost quit management before taking charge of West Bromwich Albion - where he lasted eight months.
The former Toon boss is on the job hunt again and has been linked with the vacant Republic of Ireland. Birmingham City, too, is another option should Tony Mowbray not retake his position following illness.
Speaking as a pundit for beIN Sports, Bruce backed Newcastle to transform into an elite club in the coming years. He said: "This is what Newcastle want. They want to be on the big stage against the big boys and competing for Europe. That's what they demand and that is what the demand has been.
“Of course, 20 years ago they were buying world-record players like Alan Shearer to try to bridge that gap. Now they are on the rise again. They have been in the Champions League and are now fighting for Europe. They are on the rise again, that is pretty obvious for everybody."