Steve Bruce is the new favourite to become the next Newcastle United manager this afternoon and Magpies fans aren't exactly over the moon.
The Premier League side are currently on the look out for a new boss after club owner Mike Ashley failed to reach an agreement to extend Rafael Benitez's contract.
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Chelsea legend John Terry had been mentioned as a potential dark horse for the role but according to Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, Bruce is now the favourite to take the reins at St. James's Park.
The Geordie is now priced at 9/4 to takeover from Benitez.
We understand Steve Bruce is one of the names under consideration to take over at Newcastle United. He's been backed in to 9/4 favourite with some major bookmakers overnight. Bruce is Newcastle-born, but of course previously managed rivals Sunderland. #NUFC
- Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 9, 2019
Currently in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, Bruce isn't exactly the most popular man around Newcastle after his failed spell in charge of Sunderland.
And a glance at social media suggests he wouldn't be particularly welcome back in the North East:
Steve Bruce has been backed into 9/4 from 33/1 to become the next Newcastle manager: https://t.co/3QOfve5Z4T pic.twitter.com/A2YdoC3Jav
- Paddy Power (@paddypower) July 9, 2019
As if things couldn't get any worse at @NUFC Steve Bruce is the favourite for the job. pic.twitter.com/0qD2YnkHo2
- Robert Nicholson (@RobertN1994) July 9, 2019
"Steve Bruce is now favourite for the #nufc job" pic.twitter.com/paqjqRrrwM
- Jimmy Mead (@jimmymead_) July 9, 2019
Imagine going from an Arab takeover bringing José Mourinho in with them to Mike Ashley staying, getting rid of Rafa and bringing in Steve Bruce.
- Younes H-Hamou (@youneshh) July 9, 2019
Newcastle United. I feel for their fans, they don't deserve this calamity.
Earlier the week, Steven Gerrard reportedly turned down the chance to take the Newcastle job.
Gerrard only took over as Rangers manager last summer but Mike Ashley wanted the former England captain to take the reigns at St James' Park.
It would have meant the 39-year-old taking over from his former boss, who had been Newcastle boss for the past three years before leaving.
However Gerrard rebuffed the approach and Ashley was always aware that was likely to be the case anyway.

Do you think Bruce could do a good job in charge of Newcastle in the Premier League next season?
Let us know in the comments.
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Topics: Football News, Steve Bruce, Football, Sunderland, Rafael Benitez, Newcastle United, Takeover
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