Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of Steve Bruce as the club's new manager.
Bruce resigned from his post as Sheffield Wednesday manager earlier this week, paving the way for the 58-year-old Englishman to join the Premier League club who have been without a manager since Rafael Benitez allowed his contract to expire at the end of June.
"I’m delighted and incredibly proud to be appointed as head coach of Newcastle United," Bruce told the club's official website. "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.”
Bruce, whose former clubs include Sunderland, Birmingham City and Aston Villa, has signed a three-year deal. He will link up with the team in China where the club are involved in the Premier League Asia Trophy. Newcastle face Wolves at 2pm UAE on Wednesday at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium. Ben Dawson and Neil Redfearn will take charge of that match.
Lee Charnley, Newcastle's managing director, said: “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.
“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.”
Despite finishing 13th in the Premier League last season, Bruce takes over a club in crises with previous manager Benitez having departed over the summer along with forward Ayoze Perez, who joined Leicester City.
There is also the ongoing uncertainty over a proposed takeover by a Dubai business conglomerate.
The Bin Zayed Group issued a statement via a third party - a Dubai-based radio presenter - last week saying they were "working diligently" in an effort to push through a reported £350 million (Dh1.6 billion) deal to buy the club.
The group denied reports circulating in British media that the relevant documentation to acquire the Northeast club had not been submitted to the Premier League, which carries out a vetting procedure before approving a change in ownership.
