STEVE BRUCE HAS insisted he will not give up on a job he regards as the pinnacle of his managerial career.
Newcastle’s head coach enjoyed a successful time as a player, particularly during his period at Manchester United, but has had to work long and hard to establish himself on the other side of the fence.
The 60-year-old Geordie currently finds himself in the eye of a storm with the Magpies’ season threatening to unravel after a run of eight games in all competitions without a victory, but he is not about to throw in the towel on his dream job.
Bruce said: “I’ve waited my whole life for an opportunity like this. Certainly being from here, I regard it, in management anyway, as the pinnacle.
“I might not have another one (manager’s job) and I will try my utmost under difficult circumstances.”
Anger at Bruce’s stewardship has been mounting among sections of the club’s support in recent weeks, but came to a head on Tuesday night when his team turned in a submissive display against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United and became the first this season to lose to them in the Premier League.
Bruce, who takes Newcastle to improving Arsenal on Monday evening, said: “The other day, if I was a supporter or anyone else associated with Newcastle, I can’t accept what I saw.
“I chose this profession and how lucky have I been? I’ve been involved as a player for 20 years and a manager for 20 years. I’ve done nearly 1000 games (as a manager) 500 of them in the Premier League, and results are the key to it.
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Become a Member“I can take it. You have to take it and not get too low when things are tough. I’ve got to keep myself positive. If I am lower than a snake’s belly, how can I expect a positive reaction from the players too?
“So, I will never, ever give up. I made a career out of being bang average as a player, I worked hard and got the best out of myself.
“The same is true in management, I might not be blessed with this, that and the other, but I will always roll my sleeves up and get on it with. I will never walk away from a challenge, especially when you come under pressure.”
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