Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has claimed he suggested Eddie Howe as a possible replacement for him as manager to the club's new owners.
The 62-year-old was Magpies manager for just over two years before leaving by mutual consent in October 2021, with his successor appointed two weeks later.
Since replacing Bruce, Howe has led Newcastle to heights not seen for over 20 years as they currently sit third in the Premier League, having lost just one league match all season.
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However, Bruce has now said that when the PIF consortium arrived at the club and asked him how they could kickstart a new run of form, he was the one willing to step aside so Howe could come in as he told the Die For Three Points podcast.
"I'm delighted Newcastle are doing well right now," Bruce said. "But it didn't matter what we tried to do, or did do up there. It didn't matter very much. It just wasn't going to be.
"But now over the last 12 months, they've had the change of ownership and a new change of direction. The new owners with me were terrific, I have to say. They came to me and said, 'Look, how can we help you?'
"I turned to them and said, 'Well, I think my time might be up here because the only negative thing here is myself'. And would you believe it, they did ask me for my opinion on who should take over from me and I did put forward Eddie to them.
"I told them I thought he was a very, very good young manager and I'm pleased to say that he got the job and I'm delighted that they're doing so well."
Bruce's comments on the podcast do come in stark contrast to a jab he made towards Howe while manager of the Magpies, where he called him 'that fella from Bournemouth?' who 'got a club relegated' amid rumours linking him with the Newcastle role.
In an outburst in 2021, Bruce was furious when asked about rumours of Howe taking over from him. He said: "It is absolutely the biggest pile of s**** I have ever heard. Some of it needs to be more measured. I give respect. When I see polls, the next manager and the fella from Bournemouth (Howe), I find it disrespectful, I have to tell you.
"Your paper (The Chronicle) was gunning for a manager that got a team relegated last year. I have a constant dialogue with the CEO and that hasn't changed since I walked through the door. Every day we want what is best for the club. Yes of course I make mistakes along the way.
"We are only human, I've been in it and managed nearly 500 games in the Premier League and would like to think that deserves a little bit of respect."
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