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Newcastle confirm £8m Steve Bruce exit as Saudi owners decide on top managerial target
Newcastle have parted company with Steve Bruce after two-and-a-half years in charge on Tyneside.
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Newcastle have confirmed manager Steve Bruce has left the club by mutual consent as the club's new owners look to shake things up at St James' Park. The Magpies are currently sat in 19th position having failed to win in their opening eight Premier League matches, managing just three draws and five defeats.
Bruce has been tipped for the sack ever since the £305million takeover was completed and now the 60-year-old has been put out of his misery following nearly two weeks of intensive speculation regarding his future.
It's understood Newcastle had to pay £8m to relieve Bruce of his duties.
Magpies' assistant boss Graeme Jones will now take caretaker charge of Saturday's Premier League clash at Crystal Palace as the club weigh up their next appointment.
Bruce took the chance to address supporters in a statement on the club's website: "I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club.
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#NUFC can confirm that Steve Bruce has left his position as head coach by mutual consent.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 20, 2021
The club would like to place on record its gratitude to Steve for his contribution and wishes him well for the future.
"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."
Former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca is believed to be the leading contender for the job.
The Portuguese tactician was sacked by Roma at the end of last season before being replaced by Jose Mourinho.
Fonseca was on the verge of being appointed as Tottenham's new manager earlier this summer before Daniel Levy decided against the move late in the day.
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Newcastle have confirmed they have now started the process of identifying their next manager.
The club said: "The process of recruiting a new head coach is under way and an appointment will be announced in due course."
A whole host of names have been linked with the position in recent weeks but Newcastle are looking for a long-term appointment.
Unai Emery is one of the names under consideration while Lucien Favre, Steven Gerrard, Roberto Martinez, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe have also been linked with moves to St James' Park.