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Steve Bruce leaves Newcastle United 'by mutual consent'

His assistant Graeme Jones will lead the team on an interim basis after Bruce's time at the club comes to a disappointing end.

By Rebecca Speare-Cole, news reporter

Wednesday 20 October 2021 12:13, UK

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce
Image: Bruce's statement thanked staff and players, but not the fans
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Steve Bruce has left Newcastle United "by mutual consent" less than two weeks after a Saudi-backed takeover of the club.

Bruce departs after more than two years in charge, with the club in the relegation places on only three points.

The Saudi-led consortium first expressed interest in buying Newcastle United 18-months ago but the takeover was delayed for various reasons
Image: The end of his tenure comes after Mike Ashley sold the club to a Saudi-backed consortium

The move comes 13 days after a controversial takeover at St James' Park.

It also comes three days after Bruce's 1,000th game as a manager ended in a 3-2 home defeat to Tottenham during which disgruntled fans renewed calls for him to go.

A club statement said: "Newcastle United can confirm that Steve Bruce has left his position as head coach by mutual consent.

Analysis by Tom Parmenter, sports correspondent

This was the new ownership's first big call at St James' Park and it was hardly a difficult one.

Second from bottom in the Premier League and without a win all season - whoever replaces Steve Bruce will be straight into a relegation fight.

That's what makes it a tricky appointment - a big global name would be a big statement about the ambition of the Saudi-backed project in Newcastle, but it might not be the way to fight for survival in the Premier League.

There's been a long list of names touted over the past fortnight including Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho, Steven Gerrard, Brendan Rodgers and Unai Emery.

The smart money will be on someone with the ability to win instant respect and to galvanise a misfiring team.

Whoever starts this new era for Newcastle will be building the foundations - but this is a multi-storey project with sky high ambitions.

"He leaves the Magpies after more than two years in charge, having steered the club to 13th and 12th-place finishes in the Premier League and reaching the quarter-final stage in both the Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his tenure.

"Newcastle United would like to place on record its gratitude to Steve for his contribution and wishes him well for the future."

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Bruce, who pointedly did not thank the supporters, said: "I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club.

Jubilant Newcastle United fans celebrate the club's Saudi takeover outside the stadium.
Image: Jubilant Newcastle fans recently celebrated the club's Saudi takeover

"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's assistant Graeme Jones will take charge of the team for Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace, with the Magpies still awaiting their first Premier League win of the season and sitting just one place off the foot of the table.

The club said he would be supported by the coaching team of Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence, Ben Dawson and Simon Smith.

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - October 17, 2021 Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce before the match
Image: Bruce's team lost 3-2 to Spurs at the weekend - in his 1000th game as a manager

"The process of recruiting a new head coach is under way and an appointment will be announced in due course. The club will not be making further comment at this time," it added.

Bruce steered the club to 13th and 12th-place finishes in the Premier League.

The team also reached the quarter-final stage in both the Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup while he was in charge

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