Sheffield Wednesday hits out at Newcastle over Bruce announcement

Steve Bruce was confirmed as new Newcastle United boss on Wednesday, but his former club says there are outstanding legal matters to settle.

Steve Bruce, Newcastle United's new head coach

Sheffield Wednesday has hit out at Newcastle United for announcing Steve Bruce as its new head coach. 

The former Sunderland boss was confirmed as Rafael Benitez's successor on Wednesday on a three-year deal. 

Bruce and assistants Steve Agnew and Steve Clemence resigned from their roles at the Championship club on Monday in order to facilitate their move to St. James' Park.

READ | Newcastle United replaces Benitez with ex-Sunderland boss Bruce

However, Wednesday claim there are "outstanding legal issues" to be settled with their former staff and Newcastle, so are therefore angry that a public announcement has been made about their appointments. 

"The club is disappointed to learn via public statement issued by Newcastle United that it has appointed former Sheffield Wednesday staff Steve Bruce, Steve Agnew and Steve Clemence," it said in a statement.

"Regardless of the fact that the staff resigned from their positions with the club on Monday, there remains outstanding legal issues to be resolved between the club and the staff and Newcastle United. 

"The club is currently considering its position and taking the appropriate legal advice." 

Bruce, Agnew and Clemence are due to travel to China to meet up with the Newcastle squad for the Premier League Asia Trophy tournament.