Dwight Gayle, a former Newcastle United forward, has expressed his shock at claims that Steve Bruce, his former manager, admitted to the team that he “doesn`t do tactics.”
Gayle, who played under Bruce for more than two years, implied that his ex-boss did not prioritize the tactical aspects of the game enough while managing at St James` Park.
Bruce managed Newcastle from July 2019 to October 2021, before Eddie Howe took over following the Saudi Arabian acquisition of the club.
Gayle, aged 35, made 45 appearances for Newcastle under Bruce, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
The striker, currently playing for Hibernian, recounted his astonishment at Bruce`s remarks during a 5-0 defeat to Manchester City in 2020.
Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, he said: “I recall some of the lads being thrown into the Man City game, essentially.”
“We had a three-game week, and I believe the manager somewhat threw some players under the bus regarding who had to play against Man City away.”
“Matty Ritchie and I had been requesting tactical improvements for weeks, or months.”
“Then, at halftime, being 2-0 or 3-0 down, he said, `Lads, you keep asking for tactics – I don`t do tactics! Just put your boots on and work hard.`”
“Against Man City, simply saying, `Just run about!` is insufficient. I was just in disbelief, that`s indeed what he said.”
Gayle also revealed details about training sessions under Bruce, mentioning on the podcast that training was minimal before the Saudi takeover.
He elaborated: “He didn`t really do much on the training field. But then, when the Saudi owners arrived, he put on his boots and whistle and acted like, `If I`m leaving, I`m going to run you into the ground`, or something to that effect.”
“So, we were doing running drills, and he was just pushing us, blowing his whistle, making it somewhat of a joke. He`d say, `They`re over there watching you`.”
He added: “[Training] was acceptable. I felt he perhaps didn`t dedicate enough time to developing various aspects with us.”
“I believe he focused on a game-by-game approach rather than developing us as a team. I felt we could have improved in numerous areas.”
Bruce has had a distinguished career as a manager, overseeing over 475 Premier League matches with five different top-flight clubs.
The former Manchester United player is currently managing Blackpool in League One.
This season, the Tangerines are currently 10th in their division, with 13 wins, 13 draws, and six losses in league games under Bruce.
SunSport has reached out to Blackpool for Steve Bruce`s comments.
Gayle also spoke about how Bruce maintained team morale with humorous remarks in the dressing room and press conferences.
He stated: “Oh mate, there were some classics, we were in stitches.”
“He used to say some hilarious things in interviews, like `How`s the bacon?` It was so funny.”
“Me and Karl Darlow would be in hysterics.”
