Newcastle United have appointed Steve Bruce as Rafael Benitez's replacement after their search for a new manager finally came to a close.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Magpies have confirmed that the 58-year-old Geordie has left his job at Sheffield Wednesday to become the 10th permanent boss of controversial owner Mike Ashley's 12-year-plus reign and has signed a three-year deal.
Bruce told the club website: "I'm delighted and incredibly proud to be appointed as head coach of Newcastle United.
"This is my boyhood club and it was my dad's club, so this is a very special moment for me and my family.
"There is a huge challenge ahead of us, but it's one that my staff and I are ready for. We'll roll our sleeves up and we'll be giving it everything from the off to ensure supporters have a successful team that they can be proud of."
Wednesday said they were disappointed to hear of Bruce's appointment via a public statement.
"There remain outstanding legal issues to be resolved between the club and the staff and Newcastle United.
"The club is currently considering its position and taking the appropriate legal advice."
The former Manchester United defender completes an unlikely treble when he accepted Newcastle's offer. He has now managed three sets of derby rivals - Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and Aston Villa and Sunderland and Newcastle.
Former Magpies striker Shola Ameobi welcomed the appointment but admitted recruitment during what remains of the transfer window will be key with Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez no longer on the books.
"Hopefully Steve will be coming in knowing what he needs to do ... he has got all the experience in the world, he's been doing this a long time and he's got broad shoulders. I think he'll be able to cope with the demands of this job," said Ameobi.
Bruce was given an immediate indication of the size of the task facing him as Newcastle were outplayed by Wolves to lose 4-0 in the opening match of the Premier League Asia Trophy in Nanjing.
Bruce, who could join the team in China before the end of the week if he can obtain a visa, will have seen his new side on TV concede three goals in the first half.
Diogo Jota fired past Karl Darlow twice either side of a Morgan Gibbs-White effort before Wolves claimed a fourth late on when Newcastle substitute Thomas Allan headed into his own goal.
Australian Associated Press
