The ‘worst Newcastle United manager’ in Premier League history hijacks Steve Bruce job opportunity - is this a simulation?
Steve McClaren and Steve Bruce both managed Newcastle United during the back end of Mike Ashley’s ownership
Steve McClaren has sensationally robbed Steve Bruce of the opportunity to manage Jamaica.
Just days ago, former Newcastle United manager Bruce, who has been out of work since 2022, was closing in on a football return. Jamaica were searching for a new boss to replace Heimir Hallgrímsson - who joined the Republic of Ireland.
Bruce, no stranger to a football merry-go-round, had ironically been linked with the vacant Ireland hot seat and publicly expressed his interest in the role. But he soon emerged as the front-runner to take over the Reggae Boyz as they try to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
That was until another ex-Toon manager swooped in at the final hour to steal his thunder. McClaren, who spent £80million in six months on Tyneside before sending the club hurtling towards relegation, had worked under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United for two years.
NewcastleWorld ranked Bruce above McClaren in an all-time Toon manager list last weekend. The former Magpies and England manager set his sights on World Cup qualification for the second time in history following the appointment.
"I am extremely proud and excited to take up the position of head coach for The Jamaica Men's National Team," McClaren said. "Although the opportunity has come somewhat unexpectedly I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career.
"Prior to returning to Manchester United for a second spell, I spent time at FIFA as a Technical Advisor on their Global Eco Analysis project. Jamaica was one of the teams I worked with and I quickly came to realise the potential the country possessed.
“In the years since, that potential has grown significantly and there is every reason to believe that with continued hard work and development a bright future lies ahead. The target for Jamaica is to qualify for a place at the World Cup. This is a challenge that we as a team will strive to deliver during the upcoming qualifying campaign."