Steve Bruce has officially left Newcastle United.
The club have this morning announced the decision, which comes after the 60-year-old lost his 1000th game as a manager on Sunday.
The decision for Bruce to go is ‘mutual consent’, with Graeme Jones set to lead the team on an interim basis.
He will take charge against Crystal Palace this weekend and be assisted by coaches Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence, Ben Dawson and Simon Smith.
It is the news that the vast majority of Toon fans have been hoping for.
Bruce departs the club having endured a difficult two-and-a-bit years at the helm.
It was that way for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of the way he spoke and the brand football he employed.
Bruce has already given an interview to The Telegraph about his decision to leave, and has actually hinted at retirement.
He said: “I think this might be my last job. It’s not just about me; it’s taken its toll on my whole family because they are all Geordies and I can’t ignore that.
“We’ve got a good life so, yeah, this will probably be me done as a manager – until I get a phone call from a chairman somewhere asking if I can give them a hand. Never say never, I’ve learnt that.”
Retirement for the best
It is no surprise to see Bruce hinting at retirement.
The man has had a long managerial career and his last two-and-a-bit have not been pleasant.
He did receive unacceptable abuse at times during his reign. But the constructive criticism he came in for was completely justified.
He is now set to receive £8 million in compensation from Newcastle’s new owners. That was very likely the reason he never chose to walk away.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
