Joelinton eager to justify his role as Newcastle's No 9 after club-record £40m move
Bruce on relationship with Ashley: "I'm not going to be anybody's yes man."
Wednesday 24 July 2019 23:13, UK
Newcastle's record signing Joelinton says he wants to repay the faith and trust shown in him after receiving the club's storied No 9 shirt.
The 22-year-old striker signed for the Magpies on a six-year deal for a club-record £40m from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim on Tuesday.
He says he understands the significance of following in the footsteps of popular Newcastle strikers Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand, Andy Cole and Malcolm Macdonald in wearing the No 9 shirt.
"I am really happy about it. It is a tremendous show of trust and faith in me given the legendary status of the No 9 shirt," he said in his first press conference.
"I am relaxed about it and I will look to honour the shirt in every game that I play. I will work hard for my team-mates on the pitch.
"I have been following the Premier League since I was little and watching the games and I hope to make history here."
Head coach Steve Bruce believes Joelinton can handle the task.
"He'll need big broad shoulders for sure but he has that in abundance," Bruce said.
"He'll need a bit of luck along the way but he has the potential to be a top-class centre forward and we are delighted to have him here."
Ashley visits Newcastle training
Bruce also revealed the club's owner Mike Ashley visited their training ground on Wednesday to meet the players and staff ahead of the new season - having stayed away during much of Rafa Benitez's time in charge.
"Mike (Ashley) came in to wish myself and the staff the best of luck," he said.
"He met the new centre-forward. He took an interest in training and wished us all luck.
"I think it is always key to have a positive relationship. You need to get on with the people you work with. I am not interested in what went on before.
"So far he has been straight. I have asked a couple of questions and got straight answers."
Bruce: I'm not Ashley's 'yes man'
Bruce went on to assure Newcastle fans he will never be club owner Ashley's "yes man" and asked supporters to give him a chance before they judge him.
"I think you've known me long enough. I'm not going to be anybody's yes man," he said.
"I'm too long in the tooth for that. I've heard it said that I'm a puppet or not in charge of transfers or what have you, but I can only report on how he's been with myself and he's been straight down the line in the conversations I've had.
"That can only be a good thing. I'm not his bag-man or anything else. I will certainly be my own man, I always have.
"And all I can ask is to be given a chance. Whoever was going to be sitting here would find it difficult, with the support [Benitez] had from the fans - it was quite phenomenal. Unbelievable.
"Whoever was sitting here would have big shoes to fill, but let me have a crack."
Saint-Maximin still on Newcastle's radar
Bruce told Sky Sports News Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin is still on the club's radar.
Sky sources understand Newcastle have had two bids rejected by the Ligue 1 club.
It is understood the 22-year-old would be available to sign for £20m.
