Steve Bruce’s appointment as the new Newcastle manager has not be received well by the St James’ Park faithful, but the former Sheffield Wednesday head coach’s arrival could present several Toon players with a chance to save their Magpies careers, according to the Chronicle.
Players who were shunned by Rafa Benitez may see Bruce’s arrival as a new beginning, knowing they have a clean slate to work with, rather than trying to change the views of a manager who cast them aside.
Bruce may see the same shortcomings with the fringe contingent of the United first-team that Benitez could not overlook, but a lack of options in attack and a rapidly approaching Deadline Day could leave the 58-year-old with little choice on who to call on.
If Bruce catches the highlights of Wednesday Premier League Asia Trophy encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers, he will be sure to see the shortcomings of several of our players. But Elias Sorensen may be a shining light from the defeat.
The club were at risk of forcing the towering Denmark U20 international out of Tyneside earlier in the month, when he was instructed to train with our junior ranks. But his brief cameo appearance in the defeat to Wolves offered hope that he could provide depth in our depleted strike force next season.
No longer having Salomon Rondon, Ayoze Perez or Joselu could open the door for Dwight Gayle in a similar manner too, as Bruce may be left with no choice other than to utilise the London-born striker’s services.
The former Arsenal youth forward is believed to be keen on a return to regular football in the North East following his success in the Championship on loan with West Brom, while a move away from the club is yet to materialise.
Another player keen to prove his worth to Bruce and the Newcastle fans is Jonjo Shelvey, who caught many supporters attention earlier in the week when he shared his desires to remain at United.
“I won’t be leaving this club,” he said. “I don’t know who wants me to leave or stay, but as far as I am concerned, I am at Newcastle United. I am not looking to go anywhere.”
Rolando Aarons could yet get another chance to ply his trade at St James’ Park next term, after reports in June linked the forward with a loan move to the Greek Super League with Panathinaikos.
Benitez was thought to have seen no way back for the 23-year-old at Newcastle due to concerns over his work rate and issues off the field, while injuries likewise restricted the minutes on offer to the Jamaican-born winger.
One player where pre-season may actually improve their chances of an exit, though, is Isaac Hayden, as he continues to hope for a move back down south for personal reasons.
No bids are yet thought to have come in for the former Arsenal man, however, and Bruce may attempt to convince the 24-year-old of the benefits of staying on Tyneside having tried to sign the defensive midfielder while in charge of Hull City and Aston Villa.