After the departure of Rafael Benitez, Newcastle supporters were hoping that they would bring in some sort of a competent replacement. It seemed unlikely, but there's always a chance.
After being linked with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Roberto Martinez (who's competency would be debated in certain sectors), they would ultimately plump for Steve Bruce (no debate required).
It says a lot about the ambition Mike Ashley has for his football club.
Bruce last managed in the Premier League in 2015, and has spent the last number of years in the Championship. Despite spending much of his time as a manager in the lower leagues, he has a career win rate of 38.5%.
While his appointment should have been enough to tell you all about Newcastle's ambition, the contract they are giving him hammers home that point even further.
The Mirror are reporting that Bruce is set to be handed a £1million per-year contract, six times less than Benitez was offered. Not bad money if you can get it, but it would make him the lowest paid manager in the Premier League.
There could be some extra money to be made, however. Bruce will be given a bonus if he secures survival next season, earning a bigger bonus for every place above 17th he can finish.
With the club's supporters hoping for some major investment to push themselves up the table, this rumoured contract tells you a lot about where Newcastle's head is at. The goal is 17th, anything above that is just gravy.
To thicken the plot even further, the report claims that Mike Ashley is not willing to pay anywhere near the £5million compensation Sheffield Wednesday are seeking. He is banking on Bruce walking away from the club, and sorting it all out later on. Good luck with that.
We have seen clubs attempt to tread water in the Premier League on a number of previous occasions and it never ends well. You get the feeling the same will happen here.
