Steve Bruce has entered something of a war of words with former Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle.
While neither man is a Newcastle United employee these days, Gayle recently made some revealing comments about Bruce.
They worked together during the latter’s tenure at St James’ Park between 2019 and 2021, with Gayle scoring five times in 45 appearances under the former Manchester United captain.
Gayle recently revealed Bruce’s reaction to the Newcastle takeover as part of a wide-ranging interview in which he suggested the former Toon boss did not focus on tactics.
Now, Bruce has responded.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Bruce is now in charge of League One outfit Blackpool and was asked about Gayle’s comments following his side’s 2-0 win over Kevin Nolan’s Northampton on Saturday by the Blackpool Gazette.
A spikey Bruce downplayed Gayle’s time at Newcastle and referenced the fact he missed a brilliant chance against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals back in June 2020.
He also made a dig at the striker’s standing in the game, claiming that other people know much more than the 35-year-old, who now plays for Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.
“Is that the legendary Dwight Gayle, who missed the chance in the quarter-final against Manchester City? Is that the same Dwight Gayle? – Interesting,” he said.
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“I’ve been around the block a long long time. I’ve only managed 1,050 games but according to Dwight I don’t know what I’m doing.
“I’ll let other people make their minds up who are a bit more established than Dwight ever was.”
Steve Bruce harsh to criticise Dwight Gayle
As unpopular amongst Newcastle fans as he may be, Bruce is at least allowed a right of response.
Still, Gayle didn’t exactly say anything outrageous and to downplay his Newcastle career feels harsh.
The striker, after all, scored the goals that took Newcastle back to the Premier League under Rafa Benitez and some crucial ones during the fight for topflight survival.
Games Goals Assists Game-winning goals
122 34 11 9
Dwight Gayle’s all-time Newcastle United record, via Transfermarkt
Gayle is set to retire in 2025 and can look back on a remarkable career, one that took him from non-league to the very highest level of the game. While not prolific at elite level, it’s still an incredible achievement.
Having undertaken a similar journey of his own, Bruce should remember that. A war of words seems unnecessary.