INTERNATIONAL: Newcastle United lost their first match this weekend since being taken over by a Saudi-led consortium, but even though they fell 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur, the fans celebrated anyway. They hope the days of unpopular manager, Steve Bruce, are numbered.

Newcastle were completely outplayed after taking an early lead at a boisterous St James' Park. Harry Kane grabbed his first league goal of the season for Spurs and Jonjo Shelvey was sent off for a foul, but looking at the fans, you’d think they’d had a much better day, just happy that their troubled club is in much better hands and that the stands are full again now that Covid restrictions have been lifted across England.

Manager Steve Bruce was upbeat after the match, even though he acknowledged that his future remains uncertain:

"Look, first and foremost, we've seen St. James' Park as we always remember it. It was a fantastic atmosphere and of course, to get off to the start we got to, was great for everybody concerned. But unfortunately, in their first attack, you know, we conceded. We needed to build on that and unfortunately, we didn't. But look, the owners have been very, very respectful over the last week or ten days, whatever it is. It's obviously the start, which gives everybody a little bit of hope. It's gonna take time and patience, of course. But to have the supporters back on site, I have to say, it was terrific."

It was Bruce’s 1000th game as manager but it leaves Newcastle second from the bottom of the Premier League with just three points. The fans are hoping Bruce won’t be in charge of too many more, with the club’s Saudi owners already out shopping for a new manager.

^{PHOTO: POST-MATCH NEWS CONFERENCE WITH NEWCASTLE UNITED MANAGER STEVE BRUCE, NEWCASTLE UNITED FANS OUTSIDE STADIUM AHEAD OF MATCH. SOUNDBITES FROM FANS ON CLUB'S NEW OWNERSHIP}