Football
ESPN 5y

Newcastle appoint Bruce to replace Benitez

Newcastle United have appointed Steve Bruce as head coach on a three-year contract.

Bruce, who had been in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, replaces Rafa Benitez and will be joined at Newcastle by coaches Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence.

"I'm delighted and incredibly proud to be appointed as head coach of Newcastle United," Bruce said. "This is my boyhood club and it was my dad's club, so this is a very special moment for me and my family.

- Premier League fixtures 2019-20 in full
- Who has qualified for Europe from the Premier League?
- When does the transfer window close?

"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."

Sheffield Wednesday issued a statement in reaction to Bruce's appointment, which read: "The club is disappointed to learn via 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."

The former Wigan, Birmingham, Sunderland, Hull and Aston Villa boss has won promotion to the Premier League on four occasions and reached an FA Cup final with Hull in 2014.

Following Benitez's departure for Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, Mohamed Diame, Ayose Perez, Joselu and Salomon Rondon have all left the club.

Newcastle, who finished 13th last season, face Wolves on Wednesday in the Premier League Asia Trophy.

The club confirmed that Bruce and his staff travelled to China and will meet the squad following the game.

^ Back to Top ^