New Newcastle manager Steve Bruce admitted he is 'not everybody's cup of tea' and accepted there is a sizeable task ahead to win over some supporters.

Nine fan groups published a statement voicing their displeasure at Bruce, a boyhood supporter, taking over from Rafa Benitez.

Bruce, who will watch Saturday's game against West Ham from the stands as he does not hold a working Chinese visa for the trip, believes he has the tools to continue Benitez's work and pleaded to be given time to prove his worth, claiming suggestions he will serve as a puppet for Mike Ashley are 'nonsense'.

New Newcastle boss Steve Bruce accepted that he is 'not everybody's cup of tea' as manager

Bruce was addressing the media for the first time since getting the job on a three-year deal

He will not be in the dug-out against West Ham as he does not have a working visa in China

'I understand the challenge,' Bruce said in Shanghai.

'I'm not everybody's cup of tea and I'm not Rafa Benitez. Whoever sat in this seat was going to find it difficult but I'm confident we can take the club forward. I couldn't refuse it.

'I regretted it (turning the job down) 10 years ago and kicked myself for 18 months. I'm like every Geordie living that dream.

'How lucky am I? I've got to put up with some nonsense but I'll have a crack at it. I've got big boots to fill but I've been around the block a few times.

Nine fan groups published a statement voicing their displeasure at Bruce's appointment

'I've not been there to monitor it (criticism). Thankfully I don't read it. If you want to take it personally then you would end up in a mad house. I have to accept it.

'Just judge me over the period of time. I'm quietly confident after 400 games in the Premier League that I will do OK. Am I going to sit there and be a puppet? That won't happen.'

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer revealed he contacted Bruce to warn him against succeeding Benitez but Bruce is adamant he had to take the job.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss also insisted he will have the final say on transfers as the Magpies close in on Hoffenheim striker Joelinton.

'Alan is a big friend of mine and he's welcome to his opinions,' Bruce added. 'I'd like to think I'm my own man.

'We want to make a couple of signings at least. With the loss of Rondon and Perez that's an area of the pitch where we have to immediately look at. We're active in the market. Hopefully we can get a couple over the line.

'Ultimately I'll have the final say. I've read all sorts of nonsense that I won't have. You have to have a say on who you're bringing in. The most important thing is to keep the club moving forward. It's established itself in the Premier League and my job is to try and keep improving. We're all different as managers and I'll have a different philosophy to the previous manager.'

Speaking to the media for the first time since taking charge, Bruce tried to remain upbeat

Bruce has come in to replace the much-loved Rafael Benitez as boss on a three-year deal

Bruce faces a tough start to life at Newcastle with Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool all taking on the Magpies in the opening five Premier League games.

Already the bookmakers' favourite to be the first manager in the division to be sacked, mood will become even more sour if the club make a slow and ponderous start to the campaign.

Bruce must deal with the pub brawl involving goalkeeper Karl Darlow and midfielder Jonjo Shelvey which was exclusively revealed by Sportsmail on Thursday.

The Newcastle pair were captured on video caught up in an early-hours scrap in Morpeth, hours before the squad flew out to China for their pre-season tour, only adding to Bruce's list of problems.

NEWCASTLE'S PRE-SEASON FIXTURES July 20 – vs West Ham, PL Asia Trophy - Hongkou Stadium, Shanghai July 30 – vs Hibernian (7:45pm) - Easter Road, Hibernian August 3 – vs St Etienne (3pm) - St James' Park Advertisement

Newcastle are certain to investigate and Bruce now has to deal with the fall-out among his squad after the pair were revealed to be on a night out hours before travelling. After being announced on Wednesday, Bruce spoke of his delight to land the role he has wanted for his whole career.

'I'm delighted and incredibly proud to be appointed as head coach of Newcastle United,' he said. '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.'

Sheffield Wednesday are planning legal action with Bruce and Newcastle after he walked out on the Championship side on Monday to force through a move to his boyhood team.

Bruce's long-term assistants, Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence, followed him to St James' Park after they also left Hillsborough.

With Benitez departed for China, Bruce must now fill huge shoes at his hometown club

In a statement earlier this week, Sheffield Wednesday said: '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.

'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.

'No further comment will be made by the club concerning this matter.'

Bruce's appointment has been met with scorn by some factions of Newcastle's fan-base as he replaces the much-loved Benitez, who departed at the end of last season.

Benitez walked after three years when the club failed to agree a contract extension with the 59-year-old Spaniard, who has since taken over at Chinese club Dalian Yifang.

However, managing director Lee Charnley said he was delighted to have got his man after lengthy negotiations with the Owls over a compensation package.

Charnley said: 'Steve has a deep affection for Newcastle and we are very pleased 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.

'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.'

Bruce becomes the 10th manager of Newcastle owner Mike Ashley's controversial reign and supporters reacted angrily to his appointment on Wednesday.

Supporters are already planning boycotts as they plan to drive out Mike Ashley once and for all