Alice: I mean it’s a bold move to announce plans for relegation in mid-July, we will see how it pans out for us. More to the point: what ‘fan’ would work under an owner who has repeatedly lied and misled the press and fan base?

BBC Newcastle's Newcastle United commentator Matthew Raisbeck:

While it is hard to see how Newcastle could have found an upgrade on Rafael Benitez, many supporters are rather underwhelmed by the idea of Steve Bruce taking over.

With the departure of the hugely popular Spaniard, and the fact takeover talks between owner Mike Ashley and Sheikh Khaled appeared to have stalled, it has been a frustrating summer for United's fans - many of whom are now in rebellious mood and have called for a boycott of St James' Park until Ashley leaves.

Bruce has been a contender for the job in the past and there is little doubt he will be determined to do the best he can for the club he supports.

He will also be less political than Benitez, who regularly clashed with the club over its recruitment policy, in particular, during his three years in charge.

But, the vastly experienced 58-year-old has a huge job on his hands to prepare the Magpies for the new campaign.

Ralph Racer: Bruce has treated SWFC very poorly, after the support they gave him. I feel sorry for my great club but also for another great club, NUFC.

Ahh, I was waiting for this!

Image source, Twitter

Steve Bruce began his playing career at Gillingham, before moving to Norwich City, Manchester United and Birmingham City.

He first got into management in a player-manager role at Sheffield United.

In a 21-year coaching career since, Bruce has taken charge of a further eight clubs, including a spell in charge of Newcastle's north-east rivals Sunderland.

He has clocked up more than 900 competitive matches.

Richard Newbould: Following the appointment of Steve Bruce as manager I'd like to wish NUFC good luck in their quest to get promoted from the Championship in the 2020-21 season

Lee Charnley, managing director at Newcastle United, said: “Steve has a deep affection for Newcastle United and we are very pleased that a coach with his vast experience and connections to the club and city has joined us.

“Steve knows what this club means to supporters and to the region and he will put his heart and soul into leading our talented group of players with the full support of our staff.

Image source, Getty Images

“The hard work for Steve and his team starts immediately and we will be fully prepared for the challenge of a new Premier League season.

“I would place on record my thanks to Ben Dawson, Neil Redfearn and our medical and support staff for the way in which they have worked together to oversee the start of our pre-season preparations.”

Hasan Anfield: I see Mike Ashley's started planning for the 20/21 Championship season already. A big mistake by Newcastle. Relegation beckons.

Steve Bruce has managed 392 Premier League games, the seventh-most in the competition's history.

Bruce has suffered relegation from the Premier League twice, in 2005-06 with Birmingham City and 2014-15 with Hull City.

His highest finish in the top-flight was 10th, with Birmingham in 2003-04 and Sunderland in 2010-11.

Among the 33 managers to have managed 200 or more Premier League games, Bruce's win percentage of 28.1% (110 games in 392 games) is the second-lowest.

Chris Hey: Newcastle going with the tried and failed method of appointing a manager from the merry go round instead of looking at younger potentially better coaches.

Bruce saw his Sheffield Wednesday side lose only three times in 18 matches after taking charge on 1 February, leading them to a 12th-place finish in the Championship.

Reserve team coaches Ben Dawson and Neil Redfearn will prepare the players for today's game with Wolves.

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Wilson: My issue with the #SteveBruce appointment is he's a Head Coach, which means that Ashley and Charnley are the ones in charge of the transfers in and out, not Bruce, so he'll be working with one hand tied behind his back.

And here's the Wolves starting XI.

Here's how the Newcastle side line-up for their Asia Cup pre-season clash with Wolves, which kicks off in just under an hour.

What's in store for Bruce at Newcastle?

The Magpies finished 13th in the Premier League in May as former boss Rafael Benitez, who took over in March 2016, secured the club's top-flight status.

But Benitez said the club "did not share his vision" as he outlined for the first time his reasons for leaving earlier this month.

Image source, Getty Images

The Spaniard, whose contract expired, said he felt like he "belonged" at the club and wanted to stay.

But Benitez indicated he wanted a longer-term deal, rather than just a contract extension.

"It became increasingly clear to me that those at the top of the club did not share the same vision," he said.

Read more from Benitez here.

Bruce's appointment has prompted widespread debate among fans, with factions of the club's support still angered a deal could not be struck for Rafa Benitez to stay on after more than three years at the club.

Owner Mike Ashley has drawn fierce criticism from Newcastle's support, with a perceived lack of spending often a focus of frustration.

Last week, former England boss Sam Allardyce said he had turned down the chance to be Newcastle manager.

Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta had also been linked with the job, as were ex-Manchester United boss David Moyes and Belgium manager Roberto Martinez.

Bruce resigned as head coach of Sheffield Wednesday amid reports he was due to be named Newcastle manager.

He was only appointed in January and did not actually take over for another month, guiding the Owls to a 12th-place finish in the Championship.

The Magpies held talks with Bruce on Saturday and he was always the overwhelming favourite to succeed Rafael Benitez.

He left Hillsborough with assistants Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence, who have now joined him at Newcastle.

Image source, Getty Images

New Newcastle boss Steve Bruce: "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.”