EPL: Newcastle appoint new manager

Steve Bruce has been confirmed as Newcastle manager [Courtesy]

Steve Bruce has been confirmed as the new manager of Newcastle United, signing a deal which will keep him at the club until 2022.

Bruce had become the front-runner for the role after it was allegedly turned down by the likes of Steven Gerrard and Sam Allardyce, and he takes over at the club he supported as a boy.

Newcastle had been without a manager since June 30 after Rafael Benitez brought an end to his largely successful three-year spell following the expiry of his contract.

They become the tenth side of Bruce's managerial career, one of which included Newcastle's bitter rivals Sunderland.

Bruce said: "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.”

Bruce pictured in the St James' Park dugout during his spell as Hull manager [Courtesy]

Lee Charnley, managing director at Newcastle United, added: “Steve has a deep affection for Newcastle United and we are very pleased that a coach with his vast experience and connections to the club and city has joined us.

“Steve knows what this club means to supporters and to the region and he will put his heart and soul into leading our talented group of players with the full support of our staff.

“The hard work for Steve and his team starts immediately and we will be fully prepared for the challenge of a new Premier League season.

“I would place on record my thanks to Ben Dawson, Neil Redfearn and our medical and support staff for the way in which they have worked together to oversee the start of our pre-season preparations.”

Bruce left Sheffield Wednesday looking for a new manager just weeks ahead of the new season, with Chris Hughton and Garry Monk among the early favourites to take over at Hillsborough.

Bruce only took over at the Owls in January, helping guide them to a 12th place finish in the Championship, but the lure of returning to Premier League management was too tempting for him to resist.

The club have threatened legal action and added in a statement: "The club is disappointed to learn via a public statement issued by Newcastle United that it has appointed former Sheffield Wednesday staff Steve Bruce, Steve Agnew and Steve Clemence.

"Regardless of the fact that the staff resigned from their positions with the club on Monday, there remains 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."

Sam Allardyce is understood to have turned down the chance to return as Toon boss [Reuters]

He will travel to China to take charge in Newcastle's pre-season tour and is likely to meet his new squad following the Magpies' encounter against Wolves in their first game of the Premier League Asia trophy.

It has been a chaotic summer at St James' Park with Benitez leaving as well as star striker Ayoze Perez departing to join Leicester.

Supporters have expressed their dissatisfaction with owner Mike Ashley, with rumours that a takeover bid from the Bin Zayed Group have stalled, and Bruce will know he is walking into a club in crisis.

He will be hoping funds are made available for transfers, with Newcastle yet to make a signing this summer, and he will also have to try to persuade other key players to stay, such as midfielder Sean Longstaff who has been linked with Manchester United.