New Newcastle owners rule out ‘knee-jerk decision’ over Bruce

Joe Williams
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce looks towards the fans

The incoming Newcastle United owners are reportedly likely to sack Steve Bruce but they won’t make any “knee-jerk decisions”.

Widespread reports claim that the Saudi-led takeover of the Premier League club is likely to be announced as early as today after news emerged yesterday that a deal was back on.

The settling of a commercial dispute appeared to clear the way for the takeover of Newcastle after a Saudi ban on Premier League rights holder beIN SPORTS being able to broadcast in the country is understood to be being lifted after four and a half years.


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While a one billion dollar arbitration process between the broadcaster and the kingdom is also understood to have been settled.

The ban on beIN, plus alleged Saudi involvement in piracy of its content, are thought to have been key obstacles to any takeover of Newcastle happening.

The Athletic reporter George Caulkin said earlier on Thursday: “At this point, we’re just waiting for an announcement. The takeover is done, the money is there and the Premier League have signed it off. All that remains is to make it official. Could be any time now.”

Despite reports claiming that the new owners would sack Bruce if they took charge, Sky Sports claims that they won’t rush into any big decisions, although he is ‘expected’ to be replaced.

A report on Sky Sports reads:

‘Newcastle United’s new owners are expected to replace Steve Bruce as manager but it remains to be seen when that might happen.

‘Newcastle are next in action against Spurs on Sunday October 17 – live on Sky Sports – but a decision on when he is replaced has yet to be made.

‘The consortium don’t want to make any knee-jerk decisions, but it’s understood one of the priorities is deciding who will take over in the dugout at St James’ Park moving forward.

‘Bruce said last week he wanted the takeover to happen for the good of the club and their fans.

‘The takeover is imminent as the final elements of the £300m deal are being tied up.’