Behind Blue Eyes - Steve Bruce

Steve Bruce undoubtedly faces the toughest task in his managerial career, which spans over two decades as he takes charge of Newcastle United.

Bruce, who grew up supporting Newcastle understands just how important the club is to the fans. The supporters are unhappy with Bruce's appointment, some calling it a step backwards or another "Yes Man".

The former Sheffield Wednesday manager refuted claims that he would be another puppet. Bruce said: “There have been a couple of things said and the big one is whether I am going to sit here and be a puppet. That won’t happen – and I am in charge of transfers".

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

These are certainly dark times at Newcastle, the club are down to one recognised striker in Dwight Gayle, who was on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season. Salomon Rondon has joined Rafael Benitez in China, Ayoze Perez has joined Leicester City for £30 million, while Joselu has joined Alaves.

Not only do Newcastle have a shortage of strikers, the midfield area is bare. Mo Diame was released at the end of the season and with Manchester United's pursuit of Sean Longstaff ongoing, the club must act quickly with what little time remains in the transfer window.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Given Newcastle's snail paced transfer negotiations, supporters are understandably sceptical about the number of incoming transfers.

Bruce must try to unite a fan base who are exasperated with the running of the club. The only way to do that and to get bums on seats is by getting results.

Any manager following Rafael Benitez would be seen as a step down. The Spaniard brought a sense of hope back to Tyneside. To have that ripped away has hit Newcastle supporters incredibly hard.

Benitez was the best manager the club had seen since the days of Sir Bobby Robson. Bruce is under no illusions of just how difficult it will be to fill the void left by the Spaniard.

Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images

Bruce will have to use all of his experience when dealing with Newcastle's hierarchy. The advantage Bruce has is that he has experience dealing with difficult owners, having managed under Assem Allam during his time at Hull City.

Bruce has a mountain to climb to turn the bad feeling around, for now Bruce is stuck in base camp and has a long way to go before he reaches the summit.