Steve Bruce has been sacked as head coach of Newcastle United by the club’s new owners.
The Saudi-led consortium knew that to leave him in post for Sunday’s home game with Spurs risked spoiling the carnival atmosphere inside St James’ Park, yet they allowed him to complete his 1,000th career game in management, which ended in a 3-2 defeat by Tottenham.
Bruce is set to pocket £8million in compensation as he departs his boyhood club.
The group always intended to part company with Bruce, but only after arriving on Tyneside last week and seeking the opinion of those already on the ground did they realise the negative impact his presence could have.