Ex-Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom figure receives public Newcastle United apology

Former Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion head coach Steve Bruce has received a public apology from Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley.

Bruce was alleged to "didn't even want to come to work" by Staveley at the Bloomberg Power Players' Summit in Jeddah last week, referring to the end of the manager's time at St. James' Park. “We had a team that was aging, a fan base that was angry, and a coach who basically didn’t even want to come to work. We had to inject it with life," Staveley said, via The Athletic.

It was a tricky time for Bruce on Tyneside as the takeover from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund thrust his future in doubt. He was then relieved of his duties after just one game - a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur - and current boss Eddie Howe swiftly replaced him. Nonetheless, the recent claim from Staveley was uncalled for and could have been harmful to Bruce, who is looking for a new job.

Staveley has apologised to the 63-year-old with a message on social media. “I would like to clarify a comment I made during a recent speaking engagement,” she wrote. “While commenting on Newcastle United at the time of the club’s change in ownership, I suggested the club had a coach who did not want to come to work.

“This suggestion was not correct; Steve Bruce was fully committed to his role at the club and always came to work during this period. I would like to make clear that it was not my intention to question or undermine the professionalism of Steve, who was always professional throughout my dealings with him and committed to achieving the best for Newcastle United.

“I am happy to clarify my comments and I offer an apology to Steve for my comments and any unintended consequences," Staveley continued.