(Football news) A statement released by Newcastle United has confirmed that the Premier League club has parted ways with manager Steve Bruce by mutual consent, with talks of a potential replacement on the cards ever since the Saudi Arabian-backed consortium, led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) completed their £305m takeover.

Steve Bruce said “I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club. 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 has led Newcastle for more than two years in charge, finishing 13th and 12th respectively in the Premier League and reaching quarter-finals of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. However, results this season have not gone as expected with the club currently languishing in 19th position with only three points, one ahead of Norwich City and having won no games in eight matches. Bruce’s last match in charge was his 1000th in his managerial career, a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur with chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and director Amanda Steveley keeping a close eye on the proceedings.

Graeme Jones will lead Newcastle United on an interim basis and will be supported by the coaching team of Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence, Ben Dawson and Simon Smith while the club is in the process of appointing a new head coach. Newcastle will be facing Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, 23rd October at 7:30 pm.

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