Newcastle United fell victim to a "flawed" system to lose the services of England youth star Bobby Clark, according to Steve Bruce.
The son of Toon great Lee signed for Liverpool yesterday after the Reds struck a move to sign Clark before his 17th birthday, at which stage Newcastle could have offered him a professional deal, meaning the Magpies will pick up a compensation fee for his services.
Given Clark was not only one of the Academy's brightest prospects but also one the best young English talents, his exit is a kick in the teeth for Newcastle.
But given Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp sat down personally to agree the move with Clark it is difficult to see how he could have turned down the offer to join the 2020 Premier League champions.
When asked his thoughts about the 16-year-old's exit, Bruce said: "First and foremost, it’s what the boy and his family wanted.
"We’re disappointed that we lost him because nobody wants to lose a good player.
"I do believe in that situation that the system, for me, is flawed.
"We benefited from the kid we signed from Carlisle, Joe White.
"Yeah, disappointed, of course, we are.
"I think it’s flawed.
"He’s been here since he was a boy but I think in the end I think it was best for all parties we parted company."
