Newcastle Appoints Steve Bruce as Manager to Succeed Rafael Benítez | Soccer

Steve Bruce has been confirmed as director of Newcastle United, replacing Rafael Benítez. The 58-year-old Sheffield left on Monday to take her first Premier League job since 2015.

Bruce's appointment for a three-year contract was announced after Newcastle accepted compensation on Wednesday, where he was named on a sliding one-year contract in January. Previously, he worked in Hull, Sunderland, Birmingham City and Aston Villa.

Bruce, a supporter of Newcastle but former manager of the Sunderland, takes over after Benítez's departure at the end of his contract and joins the club of the Chinese Super League, Dalian Yifang.

Steve Bruce made an unlikely treble when he accepted Newcastle 's job offer. Aged 58, he has now led three sets of derby rivals: Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and Aston Villa and Sunderland and the Magpies.

Sheffield As his playing career drew to a close, Bruce was named player-player at United in July 1998 and won 22 of 55 games for which he was responsible. He did not run the club against the city's rivals on Wednesday, by which he was recruited in February of this year. He chaired a Steel City derby as boss of Owls, a 0-0 draw at Hillsborough on March 4th.

Birmingham: Bruce took office in December 2001 and was at the helm for almost six years. He allowed the club to qualify for the Premier League, before returning to the championship. He won four and shot two of his first six derbies, but lost the last three and a 2-1 home defeat against Villa on November 11, 2007 proved to be his last match. He took office at Villa Park in October 2016, but was sacked two years later after a series of nine league games that brought only one victory and allowed the club to stand out from the rhythm of the promotion. . He however broke his derby record with two wins and two draws.

Northeast: Sunderland appealed to Bruce in June 2009 and he was not disappointed. He guided the club to 13th place at the end of his first campaign and the 10th 12 months later, his best return since the Peter Reid era. His only visit to St James's Park resulted in a 5-1 win for Newcastle, while the Magpies followed a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light later in the season with a 1-0 win. Press Association

Photography: Graham Stuart / AFP

Bruce, whose official title is the head coach, said on the Newcastle website: "I am delighted and incredibly proud to be named head coach of Newcastle United. This is the club of my childhood and it was my father's club. So it's a very special moment for me and my family.

"We have a huge challenge, but it's a challenge for which my staff and I are ready. We will roll up our sleeves and give everything from the start so that the fans have a powerful team they can be proud of. "

Bruce and his badistants Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence are due to visit China, where the club will face the Wolves in a friendly on Wednesday and will play another game on Saturday.

Lee Charnley, General Manager of Newcastle, added: "Steve has a deep affection for Newcastle United and we are delighted that a coach with his extensive experience and his relationship with the club and the city has joined us.

"Steve knows what this club means to its fans and the region. He will put all his heart to lead our group of talented players with the full support of our staff. The hard work of Steve and his team starts immediately and we will be fully prepared for the challenge of a new Premier League season. "