Ex-Wigan Athletic manager responds sharply to Newcastle United criticism.
Former Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce did not back down in his response to Dwight Gayle’s criticism of his training techniques at Newcastle United.
The well travelled 35-year-old striker made the remarks during a recent interview on the ‘Open Goal Podcast’. When asked how it was to work with Bruce, Gayle responded, “He was good, but I felt like he didn’t spend enough time with us on a lot of projects. Perhaps he was focusing on individual games rather than team development. I believe we could have made many improvements.
“For weeks and months, Matt Ritchie and I have been asking for tactical upgrades. We came in at halftime, two or three behind, and he said, ‘Boys, you keep asking for tactics, I don’t do tactics; just put your boots on and work hard.’ We were like, “Man City, it’s not good enough to just run around.” That is one that has taken me by surprise.” Amos Wynn, a reporter with the Blackpool Gazette, a sister daily of Wigan Today, questioned Bruce about his views.
Following the Seasiders’ 2-0 triumph against Northampton, Bruce took advantage of the opportunity to do more than just return serve.
After a brief stint at the end of the 2000-01 season, Whelan lured Bruce back to the JJB to keep the club from being relegated from the Premiership in 2007-08.
Bruce had Latics on the verge of a European finish in his second season before a late collapse saw them finish 11th, prompting his move to Sunderland.
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