Bruce Wants Toon Job, Says Big Sam

Sam Allardyce says he has turned down the Newcastle job but good friend Steve Bruce would jump at the chance to take it. The former England boss, who held the position at St James’ Park from 2007 until 2008 before being sacked by owner Mike Ashley, claims was under consideration to replace Rafael Benitez, who left the club at the end of June.

However, Allardyce said it would be a bad idea to return to the Magpies and politely turned them down. “I was very flattered that I was considered but it’s that thing ‘don’t go back’, he told talkSPORT. “It never got to the type of talks people are suggesting but it wasn’t for me. I politely said no. “I never got to talk to Mike (Ashley, owner of the club).

My agent contacted me, I had a think about it and a quick look at the situation and thanked them very much. “It’s not for me. Maybe if it was the first time around I would have jumped at it. I appreciate the offer but I was surprised, I’ve not worked for a full season.”

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Reports now claim that Bruce is the man at the top of the Magpies’ shortlist and that formal contact with the 58-year-old Sheffield Wednesday boss is imminent. Allardyce believes Bruce would love to be offered the position, adding: “If he gets offered the job I’ll think he’ll jump at the chance. “I think it would be one of his dreams to manage his hometown club.”