New Newcastle head coach Bruce has vowed to win over the doubters after admitting he has always regretted turning down the job the first time he was offered it.

The 58-year-old was installed as Rafael Benitez's replacement on Wednesday as angry fans vented their displeasure at owner Mike Ashley's running of the club.

Corbridge-born Bruce, who grew up in Wallsend, never played for the club he supported as a boy and revealed the chance to step into the hot-seat was one he simply could not refuse a second time.

Corbridge-born Bruce, who grew up in Wallsend, never played for the club he supported as a boy and revealed the chance to step into the hot-seat was one he simply could not refuse a second time.

Speaking to nufcTV in Shanghai, where he will take charge of his first game against West Ham in the Premier League Asia Trophy on Saturday, he said: "I'm like every other Geordie, I've lived the dream.

"If you can't play for them, then of course if you're a Geordie, what better thing than to take the number one seat? I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity and I'll do my best.

"I know in some people's eyes, I'm not Rafa and I understand there are big shoes to fill. But believe me, I'll give it everything I possibly can and hopefully prove the doubters wrong."