Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin has posted a touching tribute to Steve Bruce on social media following his dismissal.
The 60-year-old was on thin ice after Mike Ashley sold the club to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
The new regime had always wanted to bring in their own coach as their first step but there was a delay that saw Bruce take charge of his 1,000th match as a manager on Sunday.
But that ended in chants of "getting sacked in the morning" from all ends of St James Park with Newcastle second from bottom in the Premier League.
The Magpies are yet to win a match this season but PIF appear to already have a coach lined up with Paulo Fonseca the favourite to take the reins.
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However, for Bruce, it calls time on a two-year spell in charge of his boyhood club who never got the full support of the Gallowgate End amid a toxic atmosphere during the season.
There appears to be one man still on his side in the shape of fan favourite Saint-Maximin, who paid a touching tribute to the now-dismissed manager.
He tweeted: "You are, without a doubt, one of the most gentle people that I have ever met in the world of football.
"You have been a man of your word, a caring man and a fair man who never hesitated to protect us.
"I will never forget how you treated me, for that I will be forever grateful."
Saint-Maximin was one of the first signings Bruce made at Newcastle and has become a cult hero for his Gucci headband, personable social media activity and his tantalising skill on the pitch.
The Frenchman added: “It has been an honour and a privilege to have you as a coach, thank you Steve.”
Bruce was given an £8m pay-off in full after being sacked and it is not yet clear whether he will retire from management having already led an experienced career in the game as coach and player.
"I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club," the former Manchester United defender said.
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"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."
