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Steve Bruce Leaves Newcastle By Mutual Consent After Saudi Takeover

Published

5 years ago

20th October 2021

Manager Steve Bruce has left Newcastle United by mutual consent just 13 days after the Saudi Arabia-backed £305m takeover of the club was completed.

The 60-year-old took charge of his 1,000th match as a manager in Sunday’s 3-2 defeat by Tottenham – his only game as Magpies boss under the new owners.

Bruce said there had been “highs and lows” and that he hoped the new owners could “take the club forward”.

Graeme Jones will take interim charge of the Premier League side.

Newcastle said the appointment of a new manager “will be announced in due course”.

The Tyneside club have made a winless start to the Premier League season and sit second from bottom after three draws from their opening eight games.

Bruce was appointed Magpies manager in July 2019 and achieved finishes of 13th and 12th in his two full seasons in charge.

“I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club,” said Bruce.

“I would like to thank my coaching team, the players and the support staff in particular for all their hard work.

“There have been highs and lows, but they have given everything even in difficult moments and should be proud of their efforts.

“This is a club with incredible support and I hope the new owners can take it forward to where we all want it to be. I wish everyone the very best of luck for the rest of this season and beyond.”

Bruce had a 27.4% win percentage from 84 league games at Newcastle, which was the ninth best compared to previous Magpies managers who had been in charge of at least 20 Premier League matches.

A Newcastle statement said the club “would like to place on record its gratitude to Steve for his contribution and wishes him well for the future”.

The club’s next game will be at Crystal Palace at 1500 BST on Saturday, 23 October.

‘It’s taken its toll on my whole family’

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Bruce said: “I think this might be my last job.

“It’s not just about me; it’s taken its toll on my whole family because they are all Geordies and I can’t ignore that.

“They have been worried about me… especially my wife Jan.

“I’m 60 years old and I don’t know if I want to put her through it again. We’ve got a good life so, yeah, this will probably be me done as a manager – until I get a phone call from a chairman somewhere asking if I can give them a hand. Never say never, I’ve learnt that.”

He added: “I wanted so badly to make it work.

“I was so proud to be manager of Newcastle United, even in the dark times, I was determined to keep going and to keep this club in the Premier League.”

Newcastle forward Allan Saint-Maximin, who joined the Magpies in August 2019, is one of the side’s key players and he said it had been an “honour and a privilege” to have Bruce as his coach.

“You are, without a doubt, one of the most gentle people that I have ever met in the world of football,” wrote Saint-Maximin on social media.

“You have been a man of your word, a caring man and a fair man who never hesitated to protect us. I will never forget how you treated me, for that I will be forever grateful.”

Steve Bruce – 1,000 games
	Games in charge	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Win percentage
Newcastle	97	28	28	41	115	152	28.87%
Sheffield Wednesday	18	7	8	3	27	17	38.90%
Aston Villa	102	46	25	31	137	107	45.10%
Hull City	201	82	44	75	248	230	40.80%
Sunderland	98	29	28	41	122	135	29.60%
Wigan Athletic	76	26	19	31	79	90	34.20%
Birmingham City	269	100	69	100	317	324	37.20%
Crystal Palace	18	11	2	5	42	25	61.10%
Huddersfield Town	66	25	16	25	80	76	37.90%
Sheffield United	55	22	15	18	89	81	40.00%

‘Yesterday’s man’

Bruce’s appointment under former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley was met with criticism from fans and he has failed to win them over during his time on Tyneside.

During his final game against Spurs, some Magpies fans sang, ‘We want Brucey out’ as they made the new owners aware about their feelings about his position.

“Fantastic news, I think every single Newcastle United fan is over the moon with this,” supporter Alex Hurst from The True Faith podcast told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It’s been a long time coming, arguably it should have happened at least a week earlier but I think we’re not going to worry too much about that now.

“It’s a new era for the football club and it was essential that Steve Bruce was moved on.”

He added: “No wins this season and, quite simply, if you look at Steve Bruce’s record this season but also over the last 38 games as a whole, I think they’ve won seven of those 38 games, very few football managers in any division in any country would be able to survive that sort of record.

“To put it simply, I think he was yesterday’s man. He might have been a good manager 28 years ago but he’s not any more.”

Former Newcastle defender Steven Taylor spent 13 years at the club between 2003 and 2016 and he had sympathy for Bruce as well as other managers who had been at the club during Ashley’s reign.

“The upstairs hierarchy were the ones that were controlling everything that was going on,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“There are previous managers that I’ve played under who didn’t want to play certain players, they got told to play these players and that’s how it was at the football club at the time. It has been difficult.”

Bruce disappointment may come with a sense of relief – analysis

It was always Steve Bruce’s dream job to take charge of Newcastle United but he has received a lot of criticism from the supporters, a lot of abuse which I know he feels has gone too far at times.

I think he is a realist. He would have said the takeover from a footballing sense is the best thing for Newcastle United Football Club in terms of the investment it will undoubtedly bring.

I think he is also a realist in that he knew that it would probably mean that they’d want to bring in their own manager and I think in that sense what will be, will be.

Yes he’ll be disappointed, any manager would be to lose his job, but I think when he reflects there might be an element of relief as well because of the criticism and abuse that he has received, that he’s no longer in the firing line.

It became quite clear at the weekend that the supporters were not going to tolerate such a position for much longer, it’s very very hard for any manager to survive in those sort of circumstances.

Related Topics:Newcastle saudi arabia Steve Bruce

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Chadreek Renews Recording Contract with UK-Based Label SauceBoi Music

Published

1 day ago

27th September 2026

Usman Oladuntoye

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Chadreek (born Salau Qudus Emiola) has officially renewed his recording contract with SauceBoi Music, the UK-based label that has played a pivotal role in his career development.

The renewed agreement reinforces the longstanding partnership between the artist and the label. It positions Chadreek for the next phase of his career with enhanced support across music production, distribution, marketing, and international expansion.

Known for his smooth vocal delivery and consistent output, Chadreek has steadily cultivated a dedicated following through standout records including Ori Mi (featuring Seyi Vibez), Better Dayz, Awure, and his earlier project No Bad Vibe. The renewed deal is expected to accelerate his momentum as he prepares new music and broadens his presence across Africa and global markets.

A source close to the camp confirmed that both parties are fully aligned on a clear vision for the artist’s next chapter, with a strong emphasis on high-quality releases and strategic growth.

This renewal marks another significant milestone in Chadreek’s journey as he continues to establish his place within the Afrobeats landscape.

About Chadreek
Chadreek is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to SauceBoi Music. He is recognised for his distinctive voice and a growing catalogue of Afrobeats records that blend melody, emotion, and street energy.

About SauceBoi Music
SauceBoi Music is a UK-based record label committed to developing and promoting talent across the Afrobeats and broader African music scenes.

Audio

YTJ Announces New Single “JO,”

Published

2 weeks ago

12th September 2026

Usman Oladuntoye

Rising Afro-fusion artist builds on the momentum of “Closer” with an energetic new release made for dance floors worldwide

Recoup Records announces the forthcoming release of “JO,” the new single from rising Afro-fusion artist YTJ, arriving on all major digital streaming platforms September 10, 2026.

The release follows the growing international success of YTJ’s previous single, “Closer,” which has generated more than 4 million combined YouTube views and surpassed 3 million audio streams within two months of release. The record has also received airplay across more than 70 radio stations and 30 television channels worldwide, while reaching No. 63 on YouTube Music in Nairobi, Kenya.

With “JO,” YTJ enters the next phase of his sound and creative direction.

Driven by infectious rhythm, vibrant production and an unmistakable celebratory energy, “JO” is an Afro-fusion record built for movement. The single pairs YTJ’s melodic approach with a polished, high-energy production designed to connect across clubs, parties, festivals and playlists globally.

The visual world surrounding the release reflects that same energy. Built around a striking red-lit aesthetic, the “JO” campaign presents a confident and elevated side of YTJ as he continues to expand his presence beyond his home market and reach new audiences internationally.

“My intention with ‘Closer’ was simply to make something that would connect with people, and the response went beyond what I imagined,” says YTJ. “With ‘JO,’ I wanted to take that energy somewhere new. This record is a celebration — and we’re just getting started.”»

“JO” arrives at a pivotal moment for YTJ. Following the momentum established by “Closer,” the new single signals an artist increasingly focused on creating music that bridges cultures while remaining rooted in the rhythm, melody and energy of contemporary African music.

For Recoup Records, the release represents another step in the label’s commitment to developing YTJ’s international profile and introducing his music to a broader global audience.

“JO” by YTJ is available across all major digital streaming platforms HERE

ABOUT YTJ

YTJ is an emerging Afro-fusion artist whose music blends contemporary African rhythms, melody and global influences. With a growing international audience and millions of streams and views across digital platforms, YTJ is building a sound and identity designed to travel beyond borders.

Following the international response to “Closer,” YTJ continues his next chapter with “JO,” expanding his creative vision while establishing himself as an emerging voice in the new generation of African music.

ABOUT RECOUP RECORDS

Recoup Records is an independent music company focused on artist development, music distribution and building globally competitive African talent. Through strategic releases, media partnerships and international promotion, the label works to connect its artists and music with audiences around the world.

Entertainment Gists

Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits?

Published

3 weeks ago

10th September 2026

manlikeakoh

Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶

Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.

The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.

And the big question now is:

Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂

Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.

One X user joked:

“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”

Another simply said:

“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”

But then came “Lembe.” 🔥

The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.

Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.

And it didn’t stop there.

‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED

On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.

One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.

From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.

Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:

Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥