Ever since Newcastle United were taken over by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), they’ve come on leaps and bounds.
Though silverware has still eluded them, there is no comparison with how the club is now to when it was owned by Mike Ashley and had Steve Bruce in the dugout.
Ashley clearly had no regard for the club whatsoever, allowing it to be run into the ground, whilst Bruce’s limited tactical and technical nous meant that matters on the pitch were just as poorly received by the Geordie faithful.
It’s no wonder that when PIF took over and eventually appointed Howe, the fans came flooding back to St. James’ Park.
As the Magpies continued to shine, Bruce’s star dimmed significantly, particularly after another failed spell, this time at West Bromwich Albion.
He was only there for eight months, joining them when sixth in the Championship, but leaving them in 22nd place.
It’s perhaps with that and his time at Newcastle in mind that he hasn’t been anywhere near a managerial job in England since.
However, the Daily Mirror are now reporting that Bruce is in line for either the South Korea position – available because Jurgen Klinsmann has just been sacked – or a move to the Saudi Pro League.
“Steve is aware of the interest from South Korea and it’s a position that definitely appeals to him,” a source close to Bruce told Mirror Football.
“He is high on the list of a number of clubs in Saudi Arabia as well so he is assessing his options and will be having conversations over the coming weeks. Steve is keen to get back into management and sees managing overseas as a good next step in his career.”