Allan Saint-Maximin is the only Newcastle United player to make Steve Bruce's all-time XI. Speaking to The Telegraph, the former Magpies boss opened up about how he felt “ridiculed” on Tyneside before facing the sack last October.
Supporters grew frustrated after a winless start to the Premier League season and the £300million Saudi-backed takeover meant his departure was inevitable. Bruce claimed he would call time on a 45-year career in football after his St James’ Park exit but was back in the dugout for West Bromwich Albion four months later.
The Baggies are the 12th side he has managed since taking over at Sheffield United - his first management job - in 1999. Almost 25 years as a coach means Bruce has a catalogue of former players to consider when choosing an all-time XI.
READ MORE: Steve Bruce grateful for Pep Guardiola support amid 'emotional' Newcastle United experience
However, just one Newcastle player made his 18-man ‘best ever’ squad. Saint-Maximin starts alongside former Birmingham City striker Christophe Duggary up front - an odd choice as Bruce only managed the latter for 31 games.
The Magpies’ maverick was a standout performer during Bruce's two-year stint as Toon boss, cementing his status as fans’ favourite. After the 61-year-old was sacked, Saint-Maximin sent an emotional farewell to the “gentle” man who introduced him to English football.
Also in Bruce’s all-time XI were ex-Aston Villa stars John Terry and Jack Grealish, with former Sunderland stalwarts Wes Brown and Lee Cattermole also receiving a mention.
Steve Bruce all-time XI
Chris Kirkland (Wigan); Wes Brown (Sunderland), Harry Maguire (Hull City), John Terry (Aston Villa), Andy Robertson (Hull City); Lee Cattermole (Wigan & Sunderland), Wilson Palacios (Wigan), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Antonio Valencia (Wigan); Christophe Duggary (Birmingham), Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle).
Subs: Alan McGregor (Hull), Matthew Upson (Birmingham), Jake Livermore (Hull), Tom Huddlestone (Hull), Emile Heskey (Wigan), Robbie Savage (Birmingham), John Mensah (Sunderland)
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