Newcastle United part ways with Bruce

Steve Bruce has left Newcastle United by mutual consent following the club’s Saudi Arabian-backed takeover.

Bruce was appointed in July 2019 by Newcastle and celebrated his 1,000th match as a manager with a 3-2 defeat against Tottenham on Sunday.

The Magpies sit in 19th, one point ahead of Norwich City, as Bruce becomes the second Premier League manager to leave his post this season following Xisco Munoz’s dismissal by Watford.

Graeme Jones will lead Newcastle on interim basis, starting with Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace, and will be supported by the coaching team of Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence, Ben Dawson and Simon Smith.

Newcastle revealed that the process of recruiting a new head coach has started and an appointment will be announced in due course.

Amanda Staveley, who owns a 10 per cent share of the club alongside Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) as the majority shareholders, warned that Newcastle have players befitting of a higher league position and Bruce’s exit was confirmed on Wednesday.

Bruce said in a statement released by the club: “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.”

The former Manchester United centre-back had endured a tumultuous spell under Mike Ashley, but oversaw 97 games across all competitions and guided his hometown club to 13th in his first top-flight season at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle ended the 2020-21 campaign with five wins from eight league games but have failed to triumph in any of their opening eight fixtures in the Premier League.

Former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca, who was linked with Tottenham job before Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed, has emerged as the favourite for the job.

The Portuguese manager was replaced by Jose Mourinho at the end of last season after finishing seventh in Serie A, with Roma and being knocked out in the semi-finals of the Europa League by Manchester United.

Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Eddie Howe are among the other names to have also been linked with the role.