BRUCE EXITS BOYHOOD CLUB NEWCASTLE AFTER SAUDI TAKEOVER

STEVE Bruce has left his position as Newcastle United manager by mutual consent, the Premier League team said in a statement yesterday two weeks after they were taken over by a Saudi Arabian-backed consortium.

Bruce had appeared to be on borrowed time after the Premier League announced earlier this month that

Newcastle had been sold to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The 60-year-old had said following the change of ownership that he would understand if he was replaced but he was allowed to take charge of the 1,000th match in his managerial career when Newcastle hosted Tottenham Hotspur in the league, losing 3-2 last Sunday.

The signs were ominous, however, with Newcastle’s new director Amanda Staveley saying “change does not always happen overnight”.

“I’m grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club,” Bruce said in a club statement.

“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.” Newcastle said Bruce’s assistant Graeme Jones will lead the team on an interim basis, starting with Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace, and will be supported by his coaches.