Steve Bruce has been appointed Newcastle United’s new manager, the Premier League club have confirmed.
Bruce succeeds Rafa Benitez at St James’ Park having signed a three-year deal with the Tyneside club following his departure from Sheffield Wednesday.
The 58-year-old, who grew up in Wallsend, 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.”
Coaches Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence have followed Bruce from Sheffield Wednesday to St James’ Park.
Newcastle are currently in China for the Premier League Asia Trophy, and Bruce and his staff will fly out to the Far East after Wednesday’s match against Wolves.
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Ben Dawson and Neil Redfearn will take charge of the Magpies against Nuno’s side in Nanjing.
Lee Charnley, the club’s managing director, added: “Steve has a deep affection for Newcastle United and we are very pleased that a coach with his vast experience and connections to the club and city has joined us.
“Steve knows what this club means to supporters and to the region and he will put his heart and soul into leading our talented group of players with the full support of our staff.
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“The hard work for Steve and his team starts immediately and we will be fully prepared for the challenge of a new Premier League season.
“I would place on record my thanks to Ben Dawson, Neil Redfearn and our medical and support staff for the way in which they have worked together to oversee the start of our pre-season preparations.”
Bruce joins Newcastle after just six months at Sheffield Wednesday, having taken charge of the Owls in January, effective at the start of the following month.
He has not managed in the Premier League since May 2015 when his Hull side were relegated from the top flight, though he had enjoyed positive spells with Newcastle’s local rivals Sunderland, as well as Wigan and Birmingham prior to his time with the Tigers.
Since leaving Hull in 2016, after winning the Championship play-offs to guide them back to the Premier League, Bruce has been in charge of Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.