Newcastle appoint Bruce as manager to succeed Benitez

Steve Bruce will take over as manager of Newcastle United (AFP pic)

BENGALURU: Newcastle United have appointed former Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce as their new head coach on an initial three-year contract, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

Former Sunderland and Aston Villa boss Bruce, 58, replaces Spaniard Rafa Benitez, who left St James’ Park at the end of his contract last month after failing to agree on an extension with club owner Mike Ashley.