Bruce leaves Newcastle by ‘mutual consent’ after takeover

LONDON: Steve Bruce has let his position as Newcastle boss by ‘mutual consent’, 13 days ater a Saudi-led takeover at St James’ Park, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.

Bruce, whose departure was widely expected, took charge of his 1,000th match as a manager in Sunday’s 3-2 defeat by Totenham -- his only game under the new owners.

“Newcastle United can confirm that Steve Bruce has let his position as head coach by mutual consent,” said a club statement, which confirmed the search for a new head coach was under way.

“He leaves the Magpies ater more than two years in charge, having steered the club to 13th and 12th-place finishes in the Premier League.”

Bruce, 60, said he was grateful to have had the opportunity to manage the ‘unique’ club.

“I would like to thank my coaching team, the players and the support staff in particular for all their hard work,” he said. “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’s assistant Graeme Jones will take charge of the team for Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace, with the Magpies still search for their first Premier League win of the season and siting just one place off the foot of the table.

The Saudi Arabia’s state sovereign wealth fund -- the Public Investment Fund (PIF) -- owns 80 per cent of the club and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is listed as the PIF board’s chairman.

Bruce was a deeply unpopular figure with the Newcastle support, in part due to his past as manager of northeast rivals Sunderland.