Steve Bruce never predicted former Newcastle United goalkeeper’s future ahead of reunion
Steve Bruce has admitted he never expected Rob Elliot to become a manager as the two prepare for a reunion in League One.
Now in charge of Blackpool, the former Toon boss took over the reins at St James’ Park in 2019. Bruce’s appointment was infamously unpopular, leading to thousands of supporters surrendering their season tickets.
The 64-year-old kept Newcastle afloat in the dying embers of Mike Ashley’s regime but, despite being a boyhood fan, previous connections to Sunderland and Manchester United meant he never shared a rapport with supporters. Succeeding a popular figure like Rafa Benitez gave Bruce a tricky hand but, for the most part, the football was grim.
Elliot was third-choice goalkeeper behind Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow during Bruce’s first year at Newcastle but never made an appearance that season. He left the club the following summer having played 68 games from 2011 to 2020.
An eventful post-playing career has seen the former Republic of Ireland international achieve success at Gateshead, winning the FA Trophy for the first time in their history. Working under tough circumstances, his achievements at the Heed saw Crawley give him a chance in League One.
Elliot is now set to take on his former Newcastle manager, with the Red Devils travelling to Blackpool later today. Speaking ahead of the clash, Bruce spoke highly of the 38-year-old but confessed to being unaware of his coaching credentials.
“I had him at Newcastle, I know the kid well,” he told the Blackpool Gazette. “He went into it with Gateshead and did very well and now he’s been given his opportunity. I honestly thought he might go into something, but I didn’t think he’d go into management.
“A lot of the goalkeepers go into the goalkeeping route. He’s only new to it, so I wish him the best of luck. There were some good goalkeepers (at Newcastle) if I can remember back that far.”