We all know that it's hard to be a Newcastle United Supporter sometimes. It's almost like being in a relationship where the romance is limited but the love is still there, you couldn't imagine yourself being with anyone else. Or following any other club.
We've had our ups and downs. None more so than this year. We celebrated a fantastic win against Westham and then we were brought back down to earth by Brighton. This kind of form has been consistent throughout the season so far. And the up and coming International Break will be a welcomed occasion for Steve Bruce after a dismal display against Southampton. The players can now refresh and get ready for the rest of the November fixtures going into a very difficult December playing three games in six days. Brentford in the EFL cup, Manchester City on Boxing Day and Liverpool just two days later.
Will Bruce come out of this still standing? Or is he on borrowed time? This all depends on how he plans to take the team forward. So far Bruce's tactics are to find a formation. Watch it play well and keep it until it doesn't work no more. Much like a childs toy at Christmas. But can he keep treating the first team this way? Yes you have to find your best team but it also requires a balance. Swap players around. Edit the team for the match ahead. What worked against Everton obviously didn't work against Southampton. Everton's top scorer Calvert-Lewin is a Gary Lineker style poacher. Whereas Che Adams will move the ball more effectively to create his chances. The defence has to be set up differently to match the threat.
The next game see's us at home to Chelsea. I can see us once again playing five at the back. But will Brucey ball be enough to see us take even a point? Will we get anything by the tactic of conceding possession. Defending for our lives and try to get ASM and Wilson to use their pace to play on their own upfront. Surprise me Bruce play a 4-2-3-1 and use ASM, Fraser, Almiron and Wilson effectively. Us Geordies have been salivating at this formation for months. We know it can work. And that's why I ask the question. Is Bruce on Borrowed Time? We have a great attack that the Manager can't get the best out of. Take Allan Saint-Maximin for example. We all know he is most effective on the wing, but because Steve has a liking to the five at the back formation ASM has been thrown out there with the message of do something. I hear he's a great man-manager, and the players love him. But his tactics are not great. The players may like him but they prefer to win.
So who could replace him?
Eddie Howe has been strongly linked with us and it makes sense with having three former Bournemouth players in Matt Ritchie, Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson. But let's not forget Howe did get relegated with Bournemouth. Is a relegated manager the right person to take a club as big as Newcastle United forward or would we stay as midtable mediocrity.
The only other Manager I think we can get is Wor Rafa back. But it's a long shot to say the least. Rafa did not leave on good terms. He and Ashley ended on a sour note. However, if they could rebuild the bridge I think Rafa would come back. He loves the Toon and he loves the Premier League. He's not having a great time out in China.
So will Bruce change the team around and get us on a good run of form. Or will enough be enough? We'll just have to wait and see.
Howay the lads.
Sam West.
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