Newcastle 1-0 West Ham: Steve Bruce watches from stands as Magpies win in Shanghai
Last updated on .From the section Football
New Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has already made a "massive difference", midfielder Jonjo Shelvey said after the Magpies beat West Ham in the Premier League Asia Trophy in Shanghai.
Bruce was not on the touchline because of a visa issue, but watched his new club for the first time as Yoshinori Muto's winner gave them victory.
Bruce was appointed Magpies manager on Wednesday, succeeding Rafael Benitez.
"He is a lot different to Rafa," Shelvey told Sky Sports.
"With Rafa, you never knew what he was thinking. Personally, I would rather have someone who talks to you and you know what they are thinking."
Bruce's appointment has been unpopular with some Newcastle fans but, after taking training this week, he saw his side produce a much-improved showing from their 4-0 defeat by Wolves in their opening game of the tournament on Wednesday.
The Magpies changed to a 3-5-2 formation and should have taken the lead through 19-year-old striker Elias Sorensen before Muto converted Jamie Sterry's cross for the first-half goal.
"Steve has come in and changed the formation, and after two days we looked a lot more comfortable," Shelvey added. "I think we thoroughly deserved to win.
"When a new manager comes in training goes up a couple of notches and everyone is busy and looking to impress.
"He has made a massive difference. He is constantly talking to you and that is what you want."
The win means Newcastle finish third in the Premier League Asia Trophy. Wolves won the competition by beating Manchester City on penalties in the final later on Saturday.
Comments
Join the conversation
Waster.
Bruce will turn Newcastle into a top 6 team
--
This seems extremely unlikely considering that Bruce has, as a manager, never achieved anything vaguely like that, and Ashley, as a chairman, has never given managers the money to do so either.
Presumably you're either the sole member of the Steve Bruce fan club. Or you're Steve Bruce himself.
Venison, Bracewell, Ron Guthrie, Stan Anderson, Len Shackleton and Bob Stokoe, who won FA Cups with both sides as player / manager, to name just a few off the top of my head, are all great past players associated with both clubs.
If this is still a big deal you need to grow up and learn your Toon history
Ah, the old reliable 1-9-1 formation that Bruce insists on; regardless of how good his playing personnel is.
Honestly if Steve Bruce owned a ferrari he'd drive it around towing a caravan
In a world of fake news that sentence almost sounds plausible..
The big difference being, the pie shop has sold out.
Bruce wanted to join as manager (because nobody any good, wanted the job).
Ashley wants to sell (nobody wants to buy with his asking price).
However at least the stadium is always packed in SJP every game.
Magic beans for sale!?
I can do a special price....
Made a big difference in 2 days if he has improved the team in that time I would look at the mirror because you were not really giving your best