Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of Steve Bruce as their new manager – but punters are not so sure he is the right man for the job.

Bruce takes over from Rafa Benitez, who left the club earlier this month when his contract expired and has since taken a job in China.

Bruce has now left Championship side Sheffield Wednesday to take charge of his hometown club.

“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,” said Bruce.

“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.”

However, Boomakers are reporting a lot of punters are piling in to back Newcastle for the drop.

Bet365 make Newcastle 5/2 to be relegated, admitting they are the most backed club in their listings.

bet365’s Steve Freeth said: “It’s undoubtedly a dream job for a boyhood fan of the club, and in truth, punters have been backing Newcastle for the drop a long time before Bruce’s name was linked with a return home.”