Former Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has been sacked by Newcastle United after their weekend loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Bruce took charge of his 1,000th management game against Spurs on Sunday, in what was Newcastle’s first game since the £ 305million takeover by the backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) ‘Saudi Arabia.

Newcastle lost 3-2 and are still without a win in their first eight Premier League games – a streak which has now cost Bruce his job.

In a brief statement posted to Twitter on Wednesday morning, Newcastle said: “Newcastle United Football Club can confirm that Steve Bruce has stepped down as head coach by mutual consent.

“The club would like to express their gratitude to Steve for his contribution and wish him well for the future.”

Reacting to his departure, Bruce said: “I am grateful to everyone linked to Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club.

“I want to thank my coaching staff, players and support staff in particular for all of their hard work. There have been ups and downs but they gave their all even in tough times and should be proud of their efforts.

“They are a club with incredible support, and I hope the new owners can take them to where we all want them to be. I wish everyone the best of luck for the rest of this season and beyond- of the.”

Bruce survived the immediate Villa chop in 2018 after Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens completed their buyout and the Geordies hoped to give Newcastle’s new owners a chance.

He insisted he would not be leaving St James’ Park, but that decision has now been made for him.

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