Steve Bruce leaves Newcastle United by mutual consent with Graeme Jones named interim manager

Newcastle United are on the hunt for a new manager after Steve Bruce left the club on Wednesday morning.

The Magpies announced that the decision was by mutual consent – with the decision having loomed since the club’s completion of a £305million takeover from a Saudi Arabian-led takeover on October 7.

‘I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club,’ Bruce said in a statement.

‘I would like to thank my coaching team, the players and the support staff in particular for all their hard work. There have been highs and lows, but they have given everything even in difficult moments and should be proud of their efforts.

‘This is a club with incredible support, and I hope the new owners can take it forward to where we all want it to be. I wish everyone the very best of luck for the rest of this season and beyond.’

In his two full seasons in charge, Bruce led Newcastle to 13th and 12th-place finishes in the Premier League and reaching the quarter-final stage in both the Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

‘The club would like to place on record its gratitude to Steve for his contribution and wishes him well for the future,’ the St. James’ Park outfit wrote in a short statement of their own.

‘Graeme Jones will lead the team on an interim basis, starting with Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace, and will be supported by the coaching team of Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence, Ben Dawson and Simon Smith.

‘The process of recruiting a new head coach is under way and an appointment will be announced in due course.’