Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of ex-Sunderland boss, Steve Bruce as their new head coach, replacing departed manager Rafael Benitez.
The Magpies had been deep in search for a new coach since Benitez’s departure at the end of his contract last month and they have found their man in Bruce, who leaves Sheffield Wednesday after a short and impressive stint.
Bruce’s links to rivals Sunderland, where he was manager between 2009 and 2011, did not go down well with supporters who were already organising protests against owner Mike Ashley, but he has penned a three-year deal at St James’ Park already.
The popular Benitez moved to China with Dalian Yifang after over three years at Newcastle, since continuing to complain about Ashley, with whom he was said to have a fractious relationship.
Newcastle’s player of the year Salomon Rondon has returned to parent club West Brom since the end of last season, while top-scorer Ayoze Perez has also departed for Leicester City.
Midfielder Sean Longstaff has been widely linked with a move to Manchester United.
