Newcastle United on Wednesday announced that manager Steve Bruce has left his position as head coach by mutual consent. The news came after weeks of speculation surrounding the 60-year-old’s job, which only intensified following the club’s takeover by their new Saudi Arabian owners. 

“He leaves the Magpies after more than two years in charge, having steered the club 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 during his tenure. Newcastle United would like to place on record its gratitude to Steve for his contribution and wishes him well for the future.” read the club’s website.

Steve Bruce leaves Newcastle after two years in which he has had a tough time being accepted by the fans and struggling to fix constant leaks from the dressing room that has created headlines. The Magpies are currently sitting in 19th position in the league after collecting 3 points so far, with only a single win after 8 games played. 

Newcastle are reportedly looking at several names as replacements, including Paulo Fonseca, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, to come in and steady the ship and make use of the transfer warchest worth reportedly £190m available for the January transfer window.

The club have confirmed that until a new manager comes in, Graeme Jones will be the caretaker manager, starting with Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.