Alan Shearer thanks Steve Bruce for effort and commitment after Newcastle exit

His departure comes 13 days after the club’s takeover by a Saudi-led consortium

Former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer has thanked Steve Bruce for keeping the club in the Premier League while working under the restraints imposed by former owner Mike Ashley.

While many fans celebrated the news of Bruce’s exit from St James’ Park on Wednesday morning as Newcastle’s new ownership began to reshape the club, Shearer used social media to pay tribute to the outgoing manager.

“I know how tough it was for any manager at Newcastle for the last 14 years,” Shearer wrote.

“I also know how badly Steve & his family wanted it to work. In difficult circumstances for everybody, he kept #NUFC up for two seasons.

“It’s a new era now, but thank you, Steve, for your effort & commitment.”

Bruce’s departure had been expected since the Saudi Arabian-backed consortium completed their takeover of the club a little under two weeks ago.

Though he took charge of Sunday’s 3-2 home defeat to Tottenham – his 1,000th game as a manager – Bruce made it clear himself he knew the clock was ticking.

Bruce had guided Newcastle to 13th and 12th placed finishes during his two full seasons in charge, but had long been unpopular with the fans, with criticism only increasing amid a winless start to this season which has left the Magpies second bottom in the table.

Published: 20/10/2021 by Radio NewsHub