A few Newcastle United fans have been reacting online, after Steve Bruce revealed in an interview with Sky Sports that he has imposed a blanket media ban on himself.
Bruce has insisted that he does not read any criticism directed his way or toward his players either in the print media or online, as the words written on their efforts could cloud his judgment and affect his decisions.
Fans have often taken to social media to question some of Bruce’s decisions since his appointment as Rafa Benitez’s successor in the summer, with supporters calling for players like Miguel Almiron to be dropped for their inefficient performances.
Members of the St. James’ Park faithful have also used social media platforms to lambast some of our regular players such as DeAndre Yedlin, who came in for criticism after Monday night’s defeat to Aston Villa for giving away the free-kick which led to Conor Hourihane opening the scoring.
But Bruce does not read the criticisms shared of his players or himself, stating: “I don’t read social media at all, as that would be impossible for me. I try to even stay away from newspapers as well as it could influence you – that can not be a good thing.
“The biggest [thing] for all of us is our family. They’re the most important people, and they feel it when results aren’t going well. It influences them too, and they don’t like their father, or brother or husband being ridiculed.
“My son can erupt at times and even he has to come off social media as he can have a crack back. It can affect them too, so you really need decent stability around you, but it can sometimes be difficult.”
Should Bruce listen to other opinions on his decisions?
Yes, absolutely
No, he's the head coach
Here are some of the reactions offered to Bruce revealing his self-imposed media ban…
Are you telling me he’s not paying any attention to BigJo69 or ToonFan3000’s acute analysis on a Saturday night? He’s missing out!
— Longstaff Is Mint (@LongstaffIsMint) November 26, 2019
Bruce out he is clearly out of his depth #nufc
— toon travel 2 (@RuzMark) November 26, 2019
The geordie media always finds a way out f turning something positive into negative! Now Bruce is getting the stick again…????
— ibz321 (@ibzfulham) November 26, 2019
Pity he doesn’t impose a manager ban on himself.
— Ciarán Flanagan (@cflan1984) November 26, 2019
Is that to go along with his ban on tactics?????#nufc
— ▓█T█O█O█N█4█L█I█F█E█▒ (@1usatoonfan) November 26, 2019
Oh…plz tell him that advice and criticism also matter.
— Kirigo Z (@ZgsCT78iYigZR4M) November 27, 2019