Steve Bruce: Hull manager rules himself out of Newcastle role

Hull boss Steve Bruce has ruled himself out of taking charge at Newcastle, should Alan Pardew complete his expected move to Crystal Palace.

Bruce, 54, who supported Newcastle when he was younger, said he was "flattered" to be linked with the role.

But he said: "I am determined to see this through [with Hull] and make sure we stay in the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Derby boss Steve McClaren said he is "focused" on his current job after he was also linked to Newcastle.

"I'm delighted with this performance, and three points, and a good end to the year. Long may it continue.," said former Middlesbrough boss McClaren, 53, after his side beat Leeds 2-0 on Tuesday.

Pardew is expected to leave Newcastle to take up the vacant role at Palace, following the sacking of Neil Warnock on Saturday, with both clubs having agreed a compensation package for the 53-year-old.

Pardew has secured two top-half Premier League finishes in four seasons, with the Magpies currently 10th in the Premier League.

He is the second longest-serving manager in the top flight, behind Arsenal's Arsene Wenger, and made more than 100 appearances for Palace between 1987 and 1991.

Ahead of Hull's Premier League game against Everton on New Year's Day, Bruce said he was committed to the job with the Tigers.

"It's very flattering as I'm a Geordie but that's it," said the 54-year-old. "I have a job to do here and it would be wrong for me to think of anything else other than get this club out of the position we are in and that's all I am focused on.

"I have had three offers in the two-and-a-half years I have been here and I have turned them all down.

"So I think the chairman knows the way I feel and why would I want to leave now? It's not right, and I hope people respect that."

Hull are currently 17th in the Premier League, level on points with Crystal Palace and Burnley in 18th and 19th and three clear of bottom club Leicester.

Bruce took charge of Hull in 2012, leading the club to promotion to the Premier League and the 2014 FA Cup final.