Newcastle have appointed Steve Bruce as Rafael Benitez's replacement after their search for a new manager finally came to a close.
The Magpies have confirmed that the 58-year-old Geordie has left his job at Sheffield Wednesday to become the 10th permanent boss of controversial owner Mike Ashley's 12-year-plus reign and has signed a three-year deal.
A club statement said : " Newcastle United can now announce that Steve Bruce has been appointed as the club's new head coach.
"The 58-year-old, who was born in Corbridge, Northumberland and raised in Wallsend, returns to Tyneside after signing an initial three-year contract and will be joined at St James' Park by coaches Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence."
Bruce himself is delighted by the move to his hometown club, having taken charge of over 900 competitive matches in a 21-year coaching career.
"I’m delighted and incredibly proud to be appointed as head coach of Newcastle United," he said .
"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.”
But it seems that the decision to appoint the former Sunderland boss hasn't gone down well with plenty of the club's fans, many of whom are still angry at the loss of Champions League winner Benitez.
#BruceOut was trending on Twitter within moments of the appointment as fans responded to Newcastle's tweet announcing the appointment in their droves.
Bruce is set to fly to China to link up with the club at the Premier League Asia Trophy in China.
