Newcastle confirm Steve Bruce will manage 1,000th game but "changes" coming

Don’t wait around for updates – sign up for our daily football email newsletter today!

Newcastle United have confirmed that Steve Bruce will reach his 1,000th professional match as a manager during their Premier League encounter against Tottenham on Sunday.

The club released a statement on their official website on Friday afternoon following speculation that Graeme Jones could take the team after a potential dismissal of Bruce.

Although that won't be the case, director Amanda Staveley has admitted that the veteran boss will be the first to hear of any changes going forward.

With PIF now owning 80% of the club, the Reuben brothers have 10% with Staveley's PCP Capital Partners owning the final chunk.

Staveley said: "We have had an extremely busy week reviewing the business and getting to know people and it is imperative that we continue to be patient and considered in our approach.

"Change does not always happen overnight, it demands time and that we follow a carefully considered plan and strategy.

"We met Steve and the players on Monday and have given them the time and space this week to focus on preparing for what is a very important game on Sunday.

Will Newcastle replace Steve Bruce following the fixture? Tell us in the comments section

"Steve has been very professional in our dealings with him and he and his coaching team will take the team on Sunday.

"If we make any changes going forward, Steve will be the first to know but, in the meantime, we wish him the best of luck in his 1,000th match as a manager and will be joining you in getting right behind the team.

"Thank you for the warm welcome you have given us. We can’t wait to be at St. James’ Park with you.”

Speaking to the Telegraph, Bruce said earlier this week that he wants to go on as boss: "I want to continue, I’d like the chance to show the new owners what I can do, but you have to be realistic and they may well want a new manager to launch things for them.

"New owners normally want a new manager. I’ve been around long enough to understand that.

“That decision is not up to me. I accept that and I will accept what comes my way. I have to wait to have those conversations with people when the time is right.

“If I don’t make it to a 1,000 games against Spurs, you might say that could only happen to me, but I don’t think it would be cruel. It’s just football."

• Premier League
• Newcastle United FC
• Tottenham Hotspur FC
• Steve Bruce

Source: Read Full Article