The haemorrhaging of his prize assets underlined to Bruce the limits of the ambitions of a poorly-supported team deep in rugby league territory. Bruce rebuilt his side, turning again to his impressive contacts in world football’s backwaters, but was clearly demoralised by the lack of appetite shown by his remodeled side.

Having reached 33 points by the time the January transfer window closed, the Latics managed just 12 more from a possible 42. One of their three wins came at the Stadium of Light, the last had to wait until the season’s final day.

The news that former Tottenham Hotspur coach Martin Jol yesterday signed a three-year contract as manager of Ajax only hastened the Black Cats’ efforts to persuade Bruce to move to Wearside. The only threat to chairman Niall Quinn’s hopes of unveiling Bruce as Ricky Sbragia’s replacement will be the current uncertainty at St James’s Park. Bruce grew up a Newcastle United supporter and his affection for them has never waned. He rejected the opportunity to succeed Sir Bobby Robson out of loyalty to Birmingham and seemed to regret it ever since.

Bruce has made it known privately he would love to one day manage the Magpies, but thought Alan Shearer’s imminent appointment had ruined his chances once more. He will now be monitoring the protracted negotiations between Shearer and the United hierarchy.

On his trips to Monkwearmouth as an opposing manager, Corbridge-born Bruce has been an unpopular figure with the Stadium of Light fans. But he is conscious of the fact he will not be the first Newcastle fan to manage the club.

And former Newcastle centre-half Bob Stokoe was the last man to lift a major trophy on Wearside when he led the Rokerites to a shock victory at the 1973 FA Cup final. His dash on to the field at the final whistle is immortalised in a statue at the club’s new home.