Newcastle appoint Steve Bruce as Benitez’s successor

Newcastle have announced the arrival of Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce as Rafa Benitez’s successor on a three-year deal.

The Magpies have been on the market for a new manager since Rafa Benitez left the club at the start of the month.

Newcastle failed to agree terms on a new contract with Benitez before the Spaniard accepted a lucrative deal with Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Yifang.

The Premier League outfit have been linked with a variety of different potential managers over the last two weeks, including former boss Sam Allardyce and ex-Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard.

However, Newcastle have concluded their search for Benitez’s successor after finally agreeing a compensation package with Championship outfit Wednesday for Bruce.

"I’m delighted and incredibly proud to be appointed as head coach of Newcastle United,” he told the club’s official website. “This is my boyhood club and it was my dad’s club, so it 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.”

The 58-year-old was only appointed Wednesday manager at the start of the year but could not resist the chance to coach back in the Premier League with the club from the city of his birth.

Bruce hasn’t managed in the Premier League since relegating Hull in 2015 and finished his time at Wednesday with just three defeats from 18 matches.