Sheffield Wednesday have threatened to take legal action against Newcastle United after they confirmed Steve Bruce as their new manager.
Bruce quit the Owls on Monday after he was approached by the Premier League side to succeed Rafa Benitez and was officially announced as the new Magpies boss on Wednesday morning.
However, the announcement from Newcastle appeared to come as a surprise to Sheffield Wednesday, who insisted aspects of Bruce’s departure remained unresolved.
A statement on the Championship club’s official website said: “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.
“No further comment will be made by the club concerning this matter.”
Bruce has arrived at Newcastle knowing he faces a major challenge to win over fans still furious at Benitez’s departure and once again threatening boycotts as they step up their campaign against owner Mike Ashley.
‘Empty for Ashley’, one such group campaigning for a boycott of Newcastle’s first home game of season against Arsenal, released a joint statement from nine supporters’ groups speaking out against Bruce’s arrival on Tyneside.
A statement released on Wednesday morning read: “Steve Bruce is an unambitious appointment by an unambitious owner.
“To go from a world-class manager in Rafa Benitez, who brought stability and unity to the club – to Steve Bruce, who frankly wouldn’t get a job at any other Premier League side right now, in the space of six weeks is beyond disappointing.” – FULL STATEMENT HERE
Bruce, however, is relishing the challenge ahead. He said: “I’m delighted and incredibly proud to be appointed as head coach of Newcastle United. This is my boyhood club and it was my dad’s club, so this 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.”
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