Steve Bruce has left his post as Newcastle United manager by mutual consent following the takeover of the club by a Saudi-backed consortium.
He leaves the club after two years in charge and having led them to two mid-table finishes.
Assistant manager Graeme Jones will take interim charge of the club and will lead the side for their next match against Crystal Palace.
Steve Bruce Sacked by Newcastle United Following Saudi Takeover
#NUFC can confirm that Steve Bruce has left his position as head coach by mutual consent.
The club would like to place on record its gratitude to Steve for his contribution and wishes him well for the future.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 20, 2021
New Owners Look for New Manager to Take Club Forward
Following the completion of the long protracted £305 million takeover over the North East club, Newcastle’s new owners have taken the decision to sack Bruce with the club second bottom of the league after taking just three points from their opening seven games.
The new owners have not come in to oversee a relegation battle and feel the time is right to bring in a new manager who can lift the club up the table and into a respectable position come the end of the season.
Bruce Wanted to Stay
Bruce is a life-long supporter of the club and told the Daily Telegraph following the takeover that he wanted to remain in the position to show what he could do, but admitted it was likely that his fate was sealed:
“I’d like the chance to show the new owners what I can do, but you have to be realistic and they may well want a new manager to launch things for them. New owners normally want a new manager. I’ve been around long enough to understand that.”
What Was Said?
In a statement, 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.”
Bruce also went on to say: “I think it might be my last job. It has been very, very tough. To never really be wanted, to feel that people wanted me to fail & saying I would fail, that I was useless, a fat waste of space, a tactically inept cabbage head.”
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