"They ridiculed me, like Harry Maguire” ⚽ Steve Bruce | Up Front

[@JRA73]

A bloke I used to work for at the NEC, Blues fan, had an incurable disease. His best mate was decorating Steve Bruce's house, then Blues manager, asked Bruce for a signed shirt. He told Bruce about his mate and Bruce said he'd go and meet him. He went round, had an evening meal there and stopped till the early hours talking to him and his Blues mad family. Top man. 😎

[@Woze4419]

He's a nice bloke

[@markl5681]

Great story, I met him a few times, that doesn’t surprise me, a good man.

[@takkabot1151]

Top guy media have always been awful about him

[@dt7449]

Brilliant story, Bruce is a good man, too many idiots out there bad mouthing him.

[@jack8988]

He was amazing at blues KRO 💙

[@Oooooh-Betty]

When me and my mate were about 11 in 1995 during the summer holidays, we walked down to Bramhall in Stockport to knock on Steves house to ask for his autograph. He answered the door and we got chatting, after 2 minutes or so, he invited us both inside for a brew. We walked through into his back garden where the three of us sat for about an hour talking about everything United. As we were about to leave, he told us to hang about a second, as he wanted us to meet his 'mate next door' He shouted over his fence for Peter. And about 20 seconds later, Peter Schmeichel bobbed his head over the fence and invited us through into his, sat in Peter Schmeichels conservatory for a further 45 minutes talking everything United. Both true gentlemen. One of the most memorable childhood memories of mine, we both very much appreciated the time they took out for us. Still have their autographs too!

[@mickbattylifts]

Class

[@leonwright4727]

Robins Lane 👍🏿 went there myself roughly around the same time as you by the sounds of it. Although I knew Schmeichel lived next door to him. Peters wife was a right miserable cow though, remember it well.

[@apk4381]

Just making stuff up for.likes. Let me guess, Sir Alex arrived in a Delorean from the future and told you to get in to help him prevent United becoming Banter FC after the Fergie years. It would seem you failed your mission!

[@Oooooh-Betty]

​@@apk4381🙄 There's always 1. Be gone child!

[@benschofield2528]

​@@apk4381awww someone sounds jealous

[@bigjeff99-w8l]

Just a reminder that Steve Bruce scored 19 goals in the 1990-91 season from centre back

[@CraigCairney83]

Yeah that’s a crazy stat. You’ll not see that again.

[@DaBaronSamedi]

And still never got capped for England

[@leebutler1965]

Unbelievable

[@endamoran]

Some player 🤔

[@AusIrishRooBhoy]

Bloody hell, any pens in that?

[@samanthahoskins569]

What a fantastic interview. Steve came across as a lovely man and humble. I've never seen this side of him , probably because I've never supported any of the teams he's been involved in but only ever saw the ridicule. Great to see this side of him.

[@nigelhaines7900]

Well said mate

[@jamesbothoms6009]

The sad reality is however that he has been paid millions to be a professional football manager and has been continually abysmal at it. He might be a nice guy, but that doesn’t make him a competent manager. So I’ve no doubt if he had managed your club, that you’d have been equally as angry in his direction. Let’s just remember he has made millions from the game, from his pay offs after sackings. He doesn’t need to keep putting himself back into the firing line, yet he chooses too repeatedly.

[@samanthahoskins569]

@@jamesbothoms6009 oh I'm really not doubting that at all. Never said he was a great manager, I can see that's a job he probably shouldn't be in and Ur right, I deffo wouldn't want him anywhere my club. But on a human side, I've only ever seen the p*** being ripped out of him (and rightly so) and him retaliating in press conferences. Never seen THIS side of him. It's nice to see the other side of people sometimes.

[@nigelhaines7900]

How do you know hes been paid millions its your perception, good manager and great player Hes hands were tied to who he could buy@@jamesbothoms6009

[@soefsoefhazz8379]

Well said bro 💯👏🏾

[@smo4082]

Bruce was not an 'average' defender by any stretch. An absolute rock of a defender.

[@bobbypukes605]

He was similar to Pallister. Decent. But not quite good enough to get those England caps. England just had better defenders.

[@richardlambert3937]

​@@bobbypukes605pally was a better footballer.

[@billneath3273]

​@@bobbypukes605Tne game was also moving on

[@MrJayc1980]

Also after Robbo & Keane....the best Captain I've seen at United.

[@markl5681]

@@MrJayc1980 agreed. I would put Martin Buchan in there too, maybe before your time, but definitely none hold a candle to those three recently.

[@lescorlett4133]

I have nothing but admiration for Steve Bruce. The amount of crap he's received is nothing but shameful. A proper bloke and a good honest man.

[@daveisbowie]

He is loved, here in Hull. Two promotions and an FA Cup Final. Made some astute signings. Our best years were with Brucey at the helm.

[@the0nlytrueprophet942]

He was good at villa as well tbh

[@stevek3263]

Couldn't agree more ,met him a few times . An absolute gentleman. Up the Tigers !!!

[@Needlemeetsgroove]

City’s best ever manager and such a lovely man. 2008 will never be forgotten. I owe this man the greatest footballing day of my life.

[@theguvnor3900]

@@Needlemeetsgroove 2008? He didn't come until 2012....

[@soefsoefhazz8379]

He did well at Hull football club 💯

[@gsouth77]

As a hull city fan of 30 years thanks Steve for some of the best times following my club 2 promotions and an fa cup final

[@propertiesspain1869]

Met him first at Gillingham, lovely lad, met him again when he was at Utd, absolute diamond. One of the real good guys.

[@bazmenko1]

As a Newcastle fan for over 30 years, it disappointed me how a section of our fans treated Bruce. It was just bullying, plain and simple. The situation at the club was like it was: we all know the problems under Ashley and his culture of underinvestment, but those problems existed long before Bruce was manager. Ashley was to blame for the difficult situation the club was in, no one else. Bruce got the opportunity to manage a club he loves, why wouldn't he have taken it?!, he did what he could under difficult circumstances and it didn't work out. We played crap football but some of the criticism is over the top: we didn't get relegated, no harm done. Steve has my respect and I genuinely thank him for his efforts: he showed a lot of courage and dignity under pressure in those difficult times and I think how ASM thanked him when Steve left the club says a lot about the man.

[@FeastBeast123]

Newcastle fans are pure clowns.

[@Simon-lw4uc]

Extremely nice guy Steve Bruce and when you hear his side of the story then it puts his tenure at the clubs he has managed ! Best of luck for the future Steve !! (West Ham fan)

[@tanta3343]

This is the best one yet. Amazing genuine chemistry between Simon and Steve. You can tell Simon has a soft spot for him despite the ‘let down’ at Palace

[@dman24-7]

He brought it up every time to remind Steve. Simon just let it go

[@robertsmith3672]

​@@dman24-7false hair false tan .

[@pairofpints]

A proper captain. United legend.

[@gmdhargreaves]

What a great lad Brucie is?! I’d have pint with him and spend hours listening to him. Great guy

[@Burner39]

Hours listening to him crying about the treatment he received as a consequence of his own actions? Yeah sounds great.

[@richardbarnhurst5789]

Great interview, Simon is one of the most up front and honest person there is around. Love listening to him and Jim on Talk sport. I've met Steve Bruce a couple of times and what a top man he is so humble and on to earth guy, I've got massive amount of respect for him.

[@Woze4419]

He gets unfair criticism sometimes

[@ActiveArron]

Protests outside the stadium for him as a landlord evicting a young family out of a home he didn’t maintain, went on holiday during a relegation scrap, picking fights with journalists, antagonising fans during lockdown. The nice guy ACT is a myth

[@SlidinDirty17]

Humble? A humble man can take criticism. Bruce is not showing that. Even making untrue claims about what he did in the job to make himself look better. Is that humble? Throwing players under the bus in post match interviews to protect his image. Is that humble? Everywhere he went he tried to portray himself as this great manager who was poorly treated by everyone, and everyone else was to blame for his failures. He never took any accountability. Is that humble? Can you show me just one interview where he, as the lowest winrate manager in PL history, ever admitted that he himself has messed up, needs to improve or need to do better? I'll wait.

[@michaelayling1651]

I watched Steve as a 17 year old and then for 6 years at the Gills. His commitment and quality was exceptional and we couldn’t understand why it took so long for a big club to come in for him. I have followed his career as a Steve Bruce fan and he deserves everything and more than what he has achieved by optimizing his talent. He is a fantastic example for any upcoming sportsman who would learn a lot by watching this interview. Good on ya Steve !!!

[@billymcwhirter8699]

Brilliant interview, what a decent guy Steve is really enjoyed listening to him.

[@smithswoodrookie]

I grew up on watching Blues during Brucey’s era. The Play Off Final win, Promotions, Doubles over Villa, the brilliance of Christophe Dugarry etc. They were great days at St Andrew’s. Will always have a soft spot of Steve because of this. Enjoyed the interview.

[@billybigtime2808]

This man was massively important to Manchester United he was huge leader on and off the pitch defended with his life scored lots of goals and important ones at that. I will always be thankful for the effort and blood he gave for us

[@noelbravo9384]

wish i got to witness it in real time

[@vinniedixon1140]

First time I saw him play on my first visit to Old Trafford was against Sheffield Wednesday 1993 during title run-in and he scored both goals with headers, the second & the winner being 96th minute and Old Trafford erupted. The ground was only 45,000 back then & the noise was unreal. Quality centre back & formed great partnership with Gary Pallister.

[@anandmorris]

I remember. He scored in the 2nd leg 😂😂😂

[@marknewbury3614]

I was at the game. The atmosphere in the ground was bloody amazing.

[@anthonymilligan4797]

I've gotta say . I've always loved Steve Bruce. Genuinely seems like a great guy

[@Burner39]

Well you’d be wrong.

[@anthonymilligan4797]

@@Burner39 you cockney Herbert

[@Burner39]

@@anthonymilligan4797 Wrong again.

[@martyngibson3036]

Next level interview that. Two top genuine blokes. It makes a change from the crap we see in the sports media. Bang on!

[@davidgardiner47]

United legend BRUCE!!!! What a player & captain. First to lift the prem I might add. 19 goals in season too

[@Moonlightgraeme]

Steve is a top bloke, love hearing him talk about football. Top man.

[@donathandorko]

Can't believe Brucey would start this interview talking about 2 own goals playing for Norwich without even a mention of the 2 beautiful headers that practically won us the league in 93 against Wednesday. Legend of man and player. Proper football bloke. P.S. Bruce and Pallister: My all time favourite CB partnership. Vidic and Ferdinand....close second!

[@simoncampbell3144]

With Paul Parker, Erwin , legend and Schmeichel

[@alexavfclineham7301]

First premier league won instead of villa, wonder what might have happened the other way round. He played a big part in that

[@viewparkloyal260]

Jim white and simon jordan were right at the front when it came to ridiculing steve bruce especially jim white

[@MW92.]

Simon = top LAD proper clobber. The champ only speaks in fact and truth

[@David1988Mufc]

​@@MW92.Yep that's why he lied about the phone call when speaking to Eddie Hearn. I agree he's a great bloke but he as his faults to just like all of us.

[@MW92.]

@@David1988Mufc cry more for the jordanites. And while your at it…sort out your clobber

[@David1988Mufc]

@@MW92. I take it your just after an invite from him to get on this show.

[@AJ-2k24]

Jim agrees with everything Simon says, a tipical yes man

[@Mnbz1]

Finally one of these that Simon let’s the guest talk. Looks like he’s learning. Very enjoyable. Bruce seems like a great bloke.

[@Cantona7022]

I loved Steve Bruce as a Man United fan. As a manager, ge was a mercenary joke for every club.

[@colincorn8678]

he was shocking at his last few clubs but is stillwaiting for the next call .How WBA could have appointed him is beyond me

[@sukhdevr3489]

Even Wigan?

[@Sophienfreya]

He was a success at Hull City

[@alandunne2728]

Mercenary like you know footballers or managers that work for free 🤡

[@danielhornby5581]

@@alandunne2728 Mercenary as in no loyalty.

[@markdavis8430]

This man brought Andy Robertson to England Absolute legend

[@SelfMade717]

im not even a UTD fan but Steve Bruce was nowhere near an average defender. The man was as consistant as you can get and absolutely solid old school type defender.

[@anandmorris]

He will always be my favourite Manchester United captain. For starters, it was around the time i really got into football (started supporting Utd in the 89/90 season as a wee 7 year old!) Secondly, he may not have possessed the skills or outright ferocity of Cantona or Keane, but he was a great CB, approachable, gentleman yet still a proper man's man. He talked eloquently (for a footballer!) And seemed like a great character to have around. Never got uo to the off field shenanigans many did, and seemed a good family man too.

[@darkoanton5]

.cbs

[@dannygray-mi3xn]

As a United fan of a certain vintage, i love Steve Bruce. I remember one season when he scored 19 goals from CB in 90/91.

[@kevinmerry1838]

Most of them penalties

[@dannygray-mi3xn]

@@kevinmerry1838 Headers actually. Plenty of pens aswell.... but he was a CB ffs. Incredible.

[@kevrockism]

​@kevinmerry1838 how many ?

[@anandmorris]

Those were fucking great days. Players you could genuinely like.

[@sionprice2432]

@@kevinmerry1838penalties don’t count as goals anymore no?

[@stevereed3304]

Reading through the comments on here,it’s evident that most people feel the same way as me , good honest pro and a proper genuine man . Love these podcasts !

[@adrianhall6769]

Great interview Simon! Probably one of the best Centre backs of his time never to play for England. A natural leader.

[@peternagy-im4be]

Lacked the necessary yard of pace for international level.

[@frankford1115]

You can see why Man United kept him around. A decent chap. Low maintenance. A good footballer.

[@somisak]

I really don't like Man United but Bruce really was an excellent player.and comes across a good man

[@JamesHussain82]

Can win trophies with 3 or 4 players like that.

[@oldskool731]

needs to stop picking his noes on camera tho

[@AaronsTasteTravels]

​@@somisak0

[@Heremenow497]

​@@oldskool731he had a sniff before he came on 😂😂😂😂

[@Baggio_10_]

I'm a Villa fan. I'd like to say thanks to Steve Bruce. He steadied us when we were a sinking ship and got us moving in the right direction and bought our current captain for £2.5 million. He deserved better as his time at Villa ended.

[@tomingoe4716]

Fantastic Podcast. Always had a massive respect for bruce!

[@o377691]

Very nice chap, and a good manager. As a villa fan, he did a good job under difficult circumstances. And unfortunately was treated poorly some of our fans. All the best to him.

[@lucassmart6776]

Will always love Steve Bruce for what he did for us at Hull

[@jamesleleji9470]

Almost won the FA Cup

[@andrewgurney6019]

Another superb interview Mr Jordan, thank you.

[@millsy1861]

As a 34 year season ticket holder at Crystal Palace FC, those few short months with Steve in the dug out, we played some of the best football I've ever seen down there. Was a great shame when he left, seems like such a desent bloke.....

[@F--B]

Yes, Palace is about his level.

[@Liverpo01.51.]

Great watch again 💯👍 thanks

[@Adamm357]

Steve Bruce was given credit for keeping Newcastle up. I genuinely thought that we would struggle to win a game. But in his final season, it was dire. Any manager would've been sacked. Pardew got a lot more abuse but he didn't cry to the media about it and antagonize the fans. The "abuse" was blown way out of proportion. We weren't the one's throwing cabbages.

[@joecurran2811]

In his final season you mean when he left in October and it only picked up with your blood money in January.

[@Adamm357]

@@joecurran2811 Fair enough, I'll take it back. He probably should've left after we lost to Sheffield United the season before.

[@tonytandtherevengeofthecru9108]

@@joecurran2811 You mean oil money. Nobody pays the saudis for blood.

[@finalfrontier001]

@@joecurran2811 Saudi money is not blood koney must be confused with Chinese money which is blood.

[@jonnysiddle4064]

@@joecurran2811 who do you support little buddy

[@oliverwoodcock5307]

Another fantastic interview. Congratulations to Simon and the team 👏 👌 Glad to see Steve Bruce on the show this time round. This program should be up for some awards in my view. A non-stop conveyor belt of brilliant interviews 🤌

[@JamieB63]

"Mike Ashley didn't tell you any bull shit". The same bloke who was sued by a manager and then admitted to lying to managers, fans and the press? Absolute bell end

[@PrimedSnake]

Can't stand the c**t

[@stephenwilliams5575]

Also found in court to have discriminated against a cancer survivor don't forget that

[@JamieB63]

@@stephenwilliams5575 lovely guy. No Bull Shit Mike Ashley.

[@callie246]

And the bloke wonders why he gets abuse off Newcastle fans.

[@bensouthwell1339]

Ashley was full of shit and he had shit managers....guess the biggest shit we had?

[@danielkarmy4893]

'and he would say that we're gonna put Bobby up-----we're gonna put Sir Bobby upstairs...' There's respect for you.

[@CraigCairney83]

Bruce was fantastic at Man Utd. Maguire couldn’t lace his boots!!

[@jamespalmer980]

Exactly. Bruce was a proper man as a defender, Maguire is a complete fanny!

[@bensouthwell1339]

then why is he not manager of man u

[@farindeeba543]

Maguire got us to a semi final and final yet he’s rubbish?? I watched him live during the euros he was a beast absolutely dominated the game at the back. Yes he’s fallen away but the way he’s been treated is sickening. A bit like how Man Utd treated Ronaldo

[@1xwaynex1]

Bruce, you were my favourite defender growing up, watching Man u. Better than anything we have right now. 😊

[@garybaker4722]

What a brilliant interview! Very very decent man Steve Bruce

[@stigkenobi7525]

Bruce always struck me as too nice to be a manager. When you listen to him talk, and all, he is just so darn pleasant. Like everyone's favorite uncle.

[@steviesvideos319]

Bruce was great player in his day, superb captain of man utd.

[@gottee1]

Steve bruce was so happy when we signed him great player we could do with another bruce

[@KingKong-ee8hc]

If Steve Bruce had done more interviews like this, the fans would have treated him differently, what a nice humble man he is

[@billneath3273]

He is very humble

[@leebutler1965]

100% right mate

[@capitolmurder1754]

He may be humble but he wasn't good enough as a manager for Newcastle

[@anthonymclennan3208]

I don't think it can be overstated how important those two goals against Sheffield Wednesday were in United's history. As brave a player as I've ever seen, a true Manchester United legend and a lovely guy.

[@leeellis4394]

I'd love Simon to get Mike Ashley on his show for unfiltered full and Frank interview about his time at Newcastle

[@Burner39]

You’ve got more chance of shitting a gold brick then to see that waste of oxygen come on a podcast and show how awful he truly is.

[@scottwood1829]

Never going to happen

[@stevenjordan6529]

Or when he fucked up rangers comedy gold

[@bmw-e30]

Very interesting interview. Brucey was always a very likeable, decent and honest individual.

[@martinbailey4893]

as a Liverpool fan I met Steve at a anfield when Liverpool beat Birmingham 3 . 1 I was waiting near the players lounge with about 15 fans for Gerard houllier’s autograph , unfortunately houllier ignored everyone but Steve Bruce signed everyone’s program, respected the bloke ever since

[@ArunPandey-zn1dk]

Refreshing to see Brucy this way. Great conversation.

[@BarkingLondon]

Great player & a decent bloke & decent manager.

[@BennyHarvey233]

Rafa finished 12th / 13th when we just got promoted with barely any money spent. Ashley gave you 100mil we looked worse off, team overall was shocking and willock went on run scoring every game to save us. Our tactics were literally pass to maxi because he had no clue how to setup.

[@markillingworth1972]

Rafa was shit !

[@capitolmurder1754]

I bet you Brucey used to say to St Maximum before every game, "Come on, son, bit of magic today"

[@MattyHCAFC]

That man gave me some of the best memories watching hull city, our greatest ever manager. So much respect for that man and what he did at this football club. He was gutted to leave us that season he got us back up, think it affected him a lot more than he cares to admit. His career could've turned out so differently if he didn't leave.

[@Stevesmith-xj7xe]

​@@Cristobal_2012with respect, if the championship were his and Hulls level, then how come they were both in the premier League, as in, what made THAT happen?

[@Deano_Longley]

@@Cristobal_2012 15th in the prem with an FA cup final thrown in for good measure, 2 seasons in the championship with us promoted both times

[@Deano_Longley]

@@Cristobal_2012 it got us into Europe qualifying so I'd say it is Irelevant & they are facts too,maybe not relevant to you but to us they were,different reasons for not succeeding in the prem a lot of them nothing to do with him,but certainly not a championship level manager,kept Newcastle and Sunderland in the prem also,

[@ActiveArron]

You got manipulated into thinking you were an underdog with the team you had

[@Deano_Longley]

@@Cristobal_2012 success?????,thought we were talking about a championship standard manager as you stated in your original point??

[@desihooman]

steve bruce is was a top player and united legend for life

[@SiMon-bq9ej]

Amazing really enjoyed this one..its a pity you don't do part two's..maybe you good do a viewer vote..of all your previous interviews and bring the winner back for a special 2nd time..great work again Mr Jordan.. 👍🥉⚽️😀...

[@darkoanton5]

Courageous and humble.

[@garydenham7236]

That was pure class from both of you. Steve Bruce is a legend and when one day he passes away, no one will have a bad word.

[@ActiveArron]

The young family he kicked out of his unmaintained property could probably think of a few bad words. The nice guy ACT is a myth

[@sevans606]

​@@ActiveArronDo you know him personally?

[@ActiveArron]

@@sevans606 I told you a proven fact about an action of his that shows that he isn’t

[@davidgraham2876]

Wanna bet? I absolutely despise the fraud. A thick, always the victim bloke and that accent is horrific.

[@tweedlio2763]

@@ActiveArroni doubt he personally did that, it was likely to be maintained by an agency, who did that as part of their contract. In any case if it was that badly maintained who would want to live there?

[@donaldmorrison5426]

That was a fantastic watch , brilliant,

[@kongbundy9270]

Love Brucey a genuine guy and a proper Captain for Man United. God we could do with someone like him now at United!

[@paulguise698]

Hiya Kong, shocking manager, Bruceball got sacked in every job the useless get was in

[@MH-vp7lf]

You already have a Bruce now, it's maguire, Bruce in today's game would be average like maguire

[@kongbundy9270]

@@MH-vp7lfBrucey was a warrior and would have died for United. He put his head where other players wouldn’t put their feet! Maguire wouldn’t do that.

[@kongbundy9270]

@@paulguise698Hi Paul, fair enough Brucey wasn’t a great manager. But I loved him as a player. A bit like Gary Neville, not a great player but gave everything and worked his balls off and gave absolutely everything he could. How many man United players now could you say that about?

[@Clovemeister]

Villa fans like me should be and most are, grateful to Steve for stabilising the club through a time when we were a hairsbreadth from administration. To bring in the likes of John Terry and Tammy Abraham and then of course John McGinn we are most grateful for. Losing the first play-off final was a blessing for Villa but sadly not for Steve. He lost both parents within a short time which must have affected him. Jack Grealish had been out for months with a serious kidney injury and Villa could just not quite get it together as it then did fall into place with Dean Smith. All factors being equal, Steve would have done it for us. But he can be proud to have set us on the road to recovery. You are a top man Steve. Respect. 👌

[@smithyc2051]

Every successful football team needs GRAFTERS guys who will run through brick walls every single time they pull on the jersey,Bruce is one of those absolute legends.

[@aliverbirduponmychest3055]

As a 56 year old lifelong Liverpool fan, I have a lot of respect for Steve Bruce. I think he is a class act as a human being and also a very, very underrated football manager. In my opinion he is quality and should have had a shot at the England job and the Man UTD job too! It makes me both laugh and angry when people pigeon hole managers saying their teams play just defensive long ball football. The depth of experience and expertise Bruce has should have given him a shoe in for UTD job! I was at his debut game when he scored two own goals in the first half an hour! Great interview, top manager and a top lad and im

[@andrewharrison7767]

'expansive going forward manager' - 3 words that could never explain bruce's time at newcastle; his first season was as good as rafa, but that was a low bar considering rafa's first season was rebuilding the squad & recovering from relegation. Comparing Bruce's spend & points with eddie howe's misses the point, bruce had his players training twice a week, they were unfit - THATS why almiron, joelinton, longstaff etc are performing so much better now. The change happened within 2 months of howe training the squad & building up match fitness - well before most of the cited £300 million was spent

[@capitolmurder1754]

Yea that sums up it perfectly. Completely agree with you!

[@cripplesunday1]

That's 4 words......

[@AB-st7tr]

Another cracking episode here, Steve Bruce is an absolute brilliant story teller & gentleman, would love to sit in pub with him on a sunny afternoon listing to his stories.

[@lfcspectre4335]

Sir Simon = Top LAD Proper Clobber 💯 Facts Another smashing job by Upfront podcast best in the business.

[@andykidby104]

Great honest interview, great work SJ.

[@dangraham8473]

Was always going to be a tough job for Bruce at Newcastle. The fans were fed up of Mike Ashley and the fact he was the Sunderland manager didn't help. But at the end of the day he just wasn't good enough as a manager. Came in with one of the worst win percentages as a manager in the premier league and followed that trend with a win percentage of 29% at Newcastle. A nice bloke but not a good football manager. The football was terrible as well. The lowest possesion stats over the course of season of any premier league team in its history.

[@stephenwilliams5575]

The Steve Bruce era I feel was a culminating period that persisted due to some unforeseen circumstances and as a consequence of the Mike Ashley era being in its death throes. The fans not being in stadiums saved Bruce a hell of a lot of blushes. He only got the job because literally no one else wanted to work under Ashley anymore... certainly no one worth a damn and he had to be bought out from a league 1 outfit to get him such was the desperation of Ashley to get someone to do the job and gave him tremendous terms to convince Bruce to come. Then you have to understand what was going on with the long protracted takeover, the media didn't want the takeover to happen so how they portrayed the Ashley regime was revised as "not that bad" and it was all "deluded Geordies" that were the problem. Couple that with the most amazing lucky streak for Steve Bruce I've ever seen in the history of sport to the point we're even his supporters were recommending he buy a lottery ticket that somehow kept us from dropping out the league and just about mid table. That the media lapped up and weaponised against the fans who really had the right idea of where the club and Bruce were really at only to be told that Steve Bruce who never won anything as a manager was the equal of Rafa who's record stands up to the highest scrutiny put simply the media trying to outright gaslight an entire clubs support base with bullshit because it suited them to keep there from being a challenge to the established "top six"

[@G-Linka.]

Most people (especially media personalities) didn’t care about his managerial capabilities, just as long the nice fella persona was in tact… Obviously I’m not saying he is a terrible person, but when you’re a manager in a top flight league, the only thing that should matter is your skills as a coach/manager, not how much your peers in the world of football like you!?

[@Votereform81]

That's the trouble with Newcastle fans you seem to forget your only a big club in Newcastle steve Bruce was at the level you were as a club

[@ukblueeye753]

Best interview so far. Love the way Simon can't talk over Brucey.

[@robknight5150]

I was a massive soul music fan.. now I MUST listen to lord jordon between 10-00-13-00 Monday to Friday no music just talksport radio, can’t wait for the next upfront interviews either. Another great interview.

[@onkelskrue123]

Steve Bruce is the kind of guy to interrupt someone right before they are about to make a point or ask an interesting question

[@callie246]

I noticed this once and can never unhear it. Every. Single. Interview.

[@anpj2006]

Super interview. What a lovely bloke.

[@alan.crowther]

It's quite amazing how in modern times John Terry can be considered the greatest centre back the PL has seen yet Steve Bruce could be considered an "average player" for having very similar attributes.

[@marknewbury3614]

Superb Interview.I was there when Bruce scored those 2 headers against the Owls. Sheer gold.

[@DominoEffect2528]

BUT THERES MORE..When Bruce was rightly sacked from Newcastle and all his media buddy rallied behind him. Bruce had a trip to West Brom who were 6th at the time. By the time he was sacked, they were 22nd in the league. Their lowest position in two decades. His reign at Newcastle was a disaster. Poor management, worse tactics, unfit & unmotivated squad, giving that squad days off. He stole a wage at Newcastle and now wonders why everyone had it in for him.

[@vinchenzo678]

He kept us up also with limited budget, you can only piss with the c**k you got

[@markkofi8522]

18:08 - Des Walker. What a defender.

[@Samygman]

As a Newcastle fan the football was shocking at times and the tactical decisions were poor but I do not understand why fans would go to such lengths to make him miserable and his family he tried his best. I make mistakes at work everyone does.

[@SensibleMoniker]

Probably because when he made those (many) mistakes, he blamed everyone else except himself. He was awful and took uninspiring to a new level.

[@l0dgey]

Most of the "abuse" he suffered was during lockdown aka twitter idiots. Hardly ever heard anything in the actual stadium

[@l0dgey]

Most of the "abuse" he suffered was during lockdown aka twitter idiots. Hardly ever heard anything in the actual stadium

[@sdavo]

A great watch was this chaps. Loved it.

[@EunanDoherty]

Good interview Simon. Steve always a decent fella. As a Man U fan he is right up there with the best ever at Utd. Should have switched to Ireland like his son though.

[@paulbridgette4326]

I enjoyed this interview well done Steve Bruce and thanks Simon 👍

[@Lucky45676]

He had it tough at Newcastle budget wise but did have longstaff joelinton Wilson almiron and schar who all looked very poor compared to now. The team looked unfit. He did not improve anybody. He was awful at villa and worse again at WBA. If he had retired 10 years earlier he would have a better reputation. His first Season at NUFC was okay.

[@skzcnt]

He would constantly give players days off training here at Newcastle while he took days off. Hell of a footballer back in the day and seems like a man who wears his heart on his sleeve but he isn't suitable as a premier league manager especially considering he never took the blame on his shoulders and deflected the blame on the players. Like you said, we still play with most of the players from back then and the difference is night and day!

[@andrewharrison7767]

he wasn't even picking schar, he stuck with lascelles. Almiron was used as a 2nd right back - to sum up just how negative his football was, jonjo shelvey was the top scorer in his first season with 6 league goals, almiron had 4 - the defenders scored 10 between them & we averaged one per game. Considering bruce was a efender, the irony is that over his 2 seasons (using the same players) our defense were (average) 12 goals a season worse under bruce than under rafa - even when wilson scored 12 in 20/21, the 6 extra goals made no difference because we let in 4 more

[@jun3078]

Going to Portugal for vacation during a relegation battle mid season is hardly having it tough.

[@glennseaward3050]

Fair assessment

[@garybaker4722]

You all talk like you all managed at premier League levels.Shut up you silly people

[@Casey-Jones]

The last 6 minutes of this video is the real highlight

[@PompeyHero]

First time I've really listened to Stevie Bruce interview. Great Podcast Simon BTW.. Mr Bruce comes across very honest & decent bloke..

[@frankdux5693]

He's a liar though

[@Winterz10]

@@frankdux5693 big statement what proof do you have

[@robertcormack6160]

Steve Bruce comes across as a really nice and honest man. Good luck to him and his future. Great interview

[@MrJayc1980]

Chemistry and a genuine fondness between the two of them. Bruce is and has always been a Gentleman.....a rare commodity in these times.

[@Burner39]

A gentleman🤣 A gentleman that turned up at training 2-3 times a week in the Prem, a gentleman that blamed the fans for him being out of depth. Some gentleman he is, then to run and cry to the same media sources he refused to speak with during management. Pathetic.

[@stephentaylor5500]

great interview. would have been interested to have listened a bit more about his stint at villa though.

[@themanofaran]

I am really loving these podcasts. Bruce really comes across as a top guy, i hope they continue, great entertainment , and love how the questions are not sugar coated

[@barrymartin3054]

What a lovely genuine straight talking man.I’m a Londoner so no northwest England bias here.And I’m not talking about Jordan…… Nonetheless good series Simon …if I’m not subscribed (need to check) I will be. Get more cricketers on please loved the broady interview

[@native-american9049]

" I believe there are a lot of vacuous, uninformed and unchallenged opinions out there" Simon describing himself again

[@JamesHussain82]

Talks about situations live, is challenged daily and is very informed. I just challenged your vacuous, uninformed opinion.

[@mrtomas0990]

Simon Courage in your convictions Jordan

[@fargodavilleitnotd6729]

Not withstanding that whether or not you got a dog in the fight it will just end up being dollars for donuts because necessity is the mother of invention@@mrtomas0990

[@tweedlio2763]

But you are literally on his podcast trying to belittle him?! I bet he's not arsed enough to comment on your podcast is he!!

[@The1Floyd]

This was an interesting discussion, I enjoy watching Simon Jordan interrupt and answer his own questions for an hour.

[@matthewmcgahey3852]

Bruce’s framing for his time at Newcastle borders on delusional. Half of the players Eddie Howe inherited are still playing and have turned their careers around. Joelinton, willock,Longstaff, Murphy, Almiron and probably most notably Fabian schar who wasn’t even making match day squads. He was horrific as a coach and tactician and we saw that as soon as Howe came in and we went on a huge run finishing that season 11th with literally every player improving.

[@Winterz10]

Think your delusional he brought in trippier isak pope botman burn Chris wood guamires for 100s of million, let alone the ones this season you just live to hate

[@bugsthompson]

But but he's a top bloke 😂

[@Mrleetoon]

Willock signed because of Bruce. Willock had his best scoring run under Bruce. Schar was never fit under Bruce. ASM played his best football under Bruce. Howe was doing similar to Bruce until the January transfer window, and that's when things massively improved.

[@matthewmcgahey3852]

@@Mrleetoon Hi Steve, nice to meet your burner account.

[@Mrleetoon]

@matthewmcgahey3852 Yes child, you caught me out.

[@benhutchinson6717]

Superb one of if not the best yet and they are all brilliant

[@Deano_Longley]

Best manager we've ever had -Hull city loyal