Former Leeds United and England defender Danny Mills has endorsed Steve Bruce to guide Newcastle United to safety this season following the signing of Joe Willock.
The 21-year-old Willock shone with the Magpies while on loan from Arsenal during the second half of last season. The former England Under-21 ace scored eight goals in 14 Premier League appearances. And, from a precarious position near the relegation zone, the Tynesiders finished 12th.
Has been reports all summer that the Northeast group was trying to bring him back with a permanent deal. And the movement was finally completed last week, with Newcastle paying a reported fee of £ 25 million.
The Londoner has signed a six-year contract at St James’ Park. And the only question for Mills was why it took so long to come to an agreement.
“He played very, very well last season and showed how good he is,” he told Football Insider. “Obviously he wants to be there, which is another great advantage for the football club. Willock wants to be there and wants to play. He has shown that he can do it in the Premier League.
“You just think ‘Why not? Do it ‘. It’s a shame they haven’t done it before.
Willock will demonstrate the difference in eliminating relegation
Willock he made 78 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring 11 goals. Lack of action in the league before last Christmas season prompted the move north.
He had only enjoyed two top flight starts in the first half of the season, but that all changed at Newcastle.
Bruce trusted the youngest and responded with a seven-goal streak in his last seven games. That equaled Alan Shearer’s club record.
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While it is clear that it is crazy to make comparisons with the legend of magpies, the signs are good. Mills hopes to see the star in action again.
And he feels there are many reasons for the club’s fans to be optimistic.
“Obviously it adds another threat of attack,” he added. “When I get back to the Newcastle fans, there will always be guesswork about Steve Bruce, but in the long run he will be absolutely fine again.”
Newcastle started their season with a disappointing 4-2 home loss to West Ham United. Willock was not on the side and the coach confessed that his defense was not up to the task.
Now they have been linked with a Swoop for young Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu this summer. The Blues are eager for a loan deal and that will do the Magpies good.
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