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Soccer

'Useless, a fat waste of space, tactically inept cabbage head' | Bruce reveals extent of 'very tough' criticism




'Useless, a fat waste of space...
Soccer

'Useless, a fat waste of space, tactically inept cabbage head' | Bruce reveals extent of 'very tough' criticism

Steve Bruce says he could be finished in football management after his departure from Newcastle. 

The 60-year-old left the club by mutual consent this morning. 

Having held a variety of roles in management, Bruce now says his days on the touchline could be over.

Speaking following his departure, Bruce revealed the extent of the abuse he received.

He says it has taken a toll on him and his family.

"It's not just about me, it's taken its toll on my whole family because they are all Geordies and I can't ignore that," the former Manchester United defender said.

"They have been worried about me, especially my wife Jan. What an amazing woman she is, incredible, she's just a fantastic woman, wife and mother and grandmother.

"She dealt with the death of my parents, hers have not been very well. And then she had me to worry about and what I've been going through the last couple of years.

"I'm 60 years old and I don't know if I want to put her through it again.

"We've got a good life so, yeah, this will probably be me done as a manager - until I get a phone call from a chairman somewhere asking if I can give them a hand. Never say never, I've learned that."

He believes he was 'never really' wanted at St James' Park.

"To feel that people wanted me to fail, to read people constantly saying I would fail, that I was useless, a fat waste of space, a stupid, tactically inept cabbage head or whatever. And it was from day one.

"When we were doing OK results-wise, it was, 'Yeah, but the style of football is rubbish' or I was just 'lucky'. It was ridiculous and persistent, even when the results were good.

"I tried to enjoy it and, you know, I did. I've always enjoyed the fight, proving people wrong, but that's all it ever seemed to be. A fight, a battle.

"It does take its toll because even when you win a game, you don't feel like you are winning over the supporters."

Graeme Jones is set to take charge of Newcastle for their visit to Crystal Palace this weekend.

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Football Newcastle Premier League Soccer Steve Bruce