“Steve has been very professional in our dealings with him and he and his coaching team will take the team on Sunday. If we make any changes going forward, Steve will be the first to know but, in the meantime, we wish him the best of luck in his 1,000th match as a manager and will be joining you in getting right behind the team. “Thank you for the warm welcome you have given us. We can’t wait to be at St. James’ Park with you.”
Rumours have been circling about who could take over from Bruce, with Steven Gerrard reportedly one of the frontrunners.
The Rangers boss spoke about the rumours at his press conference on Friday, and seemingly refused to rule himself out of the soon-to-be vacant role.
He said: “I don’t really react, or get involved in any kind of speculation, especially when there is someone who I have the utmost respect for sitting in that job, that the speculation is about.
“For me, I am in a very big job and a very big role here that I am very much fully focused on. We have got a top of the table clash at the weekend and it’s a game I’m very much looking forward to.