Steve Bruce has left his position as manager of Newcastle United by mutual consent.
The 60-year-old has finally gone, as the club’s new owners continue their search for a new name.
For now, Graeme Jones will take charge on an interim basis.
It is the news most supporters were desperately hoping for.
Information is now beginning to come out about Bruce’s time at the club.
The Athletic bring an intriguing report about Bruce’s tenure, and points to a moment he lost some of his players in the dressing room.
Back in February, goalkeeper Karl Darlow was dropped from the starting XI for the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That news came out publicly before the player had been informed himself
One source told the publication: “Darlow was the final straw, it finished him with some players. He limped on, but there was no coming back. He’d have been gone at any other club, under any other owner.”
The Athletic go on to say that resentment grew from that situation onwards.
Players who weren’t playing well remaining in the team annoyed people. And some felt like ‘scapegoats’ at times.
Man management another shortcoming of Bruce
The dropping of Darlow for that game with Wolves may actually have been the right decision.
The English stopper had dipped having been really good in the first half of the season.
Martin Dubravka was back from injury, and the Slovakian has obviously been a really solid player for the club since his arrival.
But it was handled really poorly. Darlow should not have had to read about plans for him to be dropped before finding out in private.
It is no surprise to learn that some players did not react well.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
