Steve Bruce sacked as Newcastle United manager

Steve Bruce has left Newcastle United by “mutual consent” following the completion of the recent takeover.

Bruce was appointed in July 2019 and oversaw two Premier League campaigns, in which the Magpies finished 12th and 13th – matching point-for-point that of his predecessor, Rafa Benitez, albeit two years after he had done it.

He made the quarter-final of the FA Cup in 2019/20 before losing out heavily to Manchester City, and made the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup last season before bowing out against then-Championship Brentford.

A club statement was released at 10.30am on Wednesday morning confirming the news many fans were expecting even if it had come later than some anticipated.

Steve Bruce said: “I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club.

“I would like to thank my coaching team, the players and the support staff in particular for all their hard work. There have been highs and lows, but they have given everything even in difficult moments and should be proud of their efforts.

“This is a club with incredible support, and I hope the new owners can take it forward to where we all want it to be. I wish everyone the very best of luck for the rest of this season and beyond.”

While the process to find a replacement is underway, current assistant, Graeme Jones, will serve as interim manager and “will be supported by the coaching team of Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence, Ben Dawson and Simon Smith.”

The bookmakers suggest former Roma and Shakhtar manager, Paulo Fonseca, is the favourite with Sky Bet giving him 10/11 odds as of writing.