NEWCASTLE, Oct 20: The new Saudi ownership of Newcastle made its first big call since buying the English club, firing manager Steve Bruce on Wednesday as part of its efforts to reshape the team and stay in the Premier League.
There was an inevitability about the departure of Bruce, who was given no assurances about his long-term future at Newcastle following the 300-million-pound ($409 million) takeover by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund two weeks ago.
The 60-year-old Bruce left by mutual consent, Newcastle said, even though he insisted last week he would fight to stay as manager of his hometown club which he joined in July 2019.
“I hope the new owners can take it forward to where we all want it to be,” Bruce said in a club statement, in which he referenced the “highs and lows” of coaching a “unique” club.
Bruce leaves with Newcastle in next-to-last place in the Premier League and without a win after eight games. His last game in charge – the 3-2 loss to Tottenham on Sunday – was his 1,000th as a manager and saw Newcastle fans chant for his firing.
Former Roma and Shakhtar Donetsk coach Paulo Fonseca has been widely linked with a vacancy that is briefly being filled by assistant coach Graeme Jones, who will be in temporary charge for the match at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Bruce, a former Manchester United defender, wasn’t a popular appointment at St. James’ Park because he had previously coached rival Sunderland.
Newcastle fans also saw him as a downgrade to predecessor Rafa Benitez and criticized his style of play.
Newcastle finished 13th and 12th in Bruce’s two full seasons as its manager.
Newcastle said the search has begun for a replacement. Whoever gets the job will become manager of a club that is expected to be challenging for Champions League qualification given the vast resources available to the Public Investment Fund which is now Newcastle’s majority owner. (AP)
