In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes Steve Bruce and Scott Parker could not be further apart in how they carry themselves.
Just before Fulham’s impressive win away to Liverpool on Sunday where they rarely looked troubled, Newcastle had drawn 0-0 away to 19th placed West Bromwich Albion.
Howey believes the way Parker conducts himself and how upbeat he is in interviews is a big factor as to why they are playing good football now, and have given themselves a great chance of escaping the drop.
Who will be relegated?
Newcastle!
Fulham!
Bruce has been under immense pressure with fans wanting and expecting him to be sacked after the draw against West Brom, however, he remains and is set to be the manager for the foreseeable future.
The former Sunderland manager has never been a fan favourite and Howey believes it’s all getting a bit too much for Bruce both physically and mentally.
Howey was full of praise for their relegation rivals’ manager Parker in comparison, telling FFC exclusively.
“I can totally understand the manner of Steve Bruce and the demeanour when he gets interviewed.
“You look at the way he is and you look at Scott Parker, and they’re just polar opposites. Scott looks very positive, very upbeat and Steve looks kind of defeated, really.
“You just hope that doesn’t affect his mental health because he just doesn’t look well. The pressure is obviously getting to him, unfortunately, that then gets to his family.”
Bruce seems to be facing a new crisis or talking point every week at Newcastle whereas Fulham appears to be galvanised and able to give any team a competitive match.
If Newcastle are to stay up this season, Bruce will require a thick skin and find a way to get a tune of his team, who seem to be sapped of confidence.