Steve Bruce was in Dubai with his son Alex watching England play cricket on Saturday afternoon. He looked well. It’s amazing what a week away from the pressure of the Premier League can do.
Back in Newcastle, meanwhile, much was unchanged. The team Bruce left behind toiled in vain against Chelsea. They didn’t have a corner all day at St James’ Park and only one shot on target. It arrived in the 83rd minute by which time they were three goals behind.
Bruce had to go. That much is beyond dispute.