Steve Bruce insists he's no puppet for Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.
Bruce arrived in China to meet his squad on Thursday but must take-up a watching brief because the terms of his 72-hour visa prevent him from working.
But the 58-year-old immediately got on the front foot by declaring that he will have the final say on the transfer policy at St James' Park and has not just taken on the job to be Ashley's stooge.
Bruce said: There have been a couple of things said and the big one is whether I am going to sit here and be a puppet.
That won't happen and I am in charge of transfers.
Our transfer policy is like most other clubs. Identifying the players and making sure we fit in. I will have control of who we bring in.
I wouldn't have taken the job if that wasn't the case.
I am under no illusions about this job. I have come into it with my eyes wide open.
I know I am not everyone's cup of tea and that I'm not Rafa Benitez
Whoever filled this seat would have found it difficult, but with my experience I am confident we can continue to take the club forward."
