Under Bruce, Newcastle struggled near the wrong end of the Premier League table as they battled relegation, looking like being doomed, before a late-season revival would see them steer clear of the drop.
His time as manager was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic with his first season being interrupted, before the second played almost entirely behind closed doors, save for two games at the end of the season in-front of limited crowds.
Bruce’s last transfer window at the club saw Mike Ashley reluctant to spend and saw just one player join the club.
Here, we take a look at all 15 incoming transfers completed during Bruce’s time in charge of Newcastle United and rate them out of ten for their contributions to the club during their time on Tyneside.
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9. Jamal Lewis - 4/10
Lewis had horrendous luck with injuries during his first couple of seasons at the club and was never given the opportunity to impress over a prolonged period of time. That hasn’t happened under Eddie Howe either and with the Magpies reportedly in the market for a left-back this summer, it’s likely Lewis may leave the club without making his mark. Photo: Stu Forster
10. Andy Carroll - 5/10
A nostalgia-laden free transfer, Carroll was brought back to Newcastle to give Bruce another option up-front. He impressed on his second debut and had a handful of other solid showings but never lived up to the hope he could re-find some of his best Premier League form. Photo: Pool
11. Jetro Willems (loan) - 6.5/10
Willems did very little, if anything, wrong at Newcastle during his short time at the club. He improved the left side of defence immensely but saw his time at the club cut short because of injury. It’s a story of what could have been for the Dutchman. Photo: Michael Steele
12. Emil Krafth - 7/10
Krafth struggled during his first couple of seasons at the club and was often asked to play in a variety of positions under Bruce. However, he stepped up to the plate when Kieran Trippier was injured in February last year and played a vital role at right-back that helped keep the Magpies in the Premier League. Photo: Stu Forster