NEWCASTLE United have appointed Steve Bruce as head coach on a three year contract. 

The arrival of the Corbridge-born manager at St James's Park has been confirmed just days after Bruce resigned from his post at Sheffield Wednesday, amid reports linking him with the job vacated by Rafa Benitez. 

The 58-year-old captained Manchester United to three Premier League titles as a player, before moving into management in 1999. 

Bruce, who managed North-East rivals Sunderland between 2009 and 2011, has taken charge of clubs in the Premier League and the Championship, including Birmingham City, Aston Villa, and Wigan Athletic. 

He told the Newcastle United website: "I'm delighted and incredibly proud to be appointed as head coach of Newcastle United. This is my boyhood club and it was my dad's club, so this is a very special moment for me and my family.

"There is a huge challenge ahead of us, but it's one that my staff and I are ready for. We'll roll our sleeves up and we'll be giving it everything from the off to ensure supporters have a successful team that they can be proud of."

Bruce will be joined at St James's Park by coaches Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence.