Newcastle fans welcome new Saudi owners at St James' Park party - in pictures

Steve Bruce to take charge of 1,000th match of his managerial career

Newcastle fans at St. James' Park ahead of the match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, October 17. Newcastle play their first game under new ownership after the club was bought out last week by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. AP

Newcastle United prepare for their match against Tottenham at St. James' Park on Sunday. PA

Football fans at St. James' Park on Sunday. Newcastle play their first game under new ownership after the club was bought out last week by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. AP

A programme seller outside St James' Park. Reuters

Newcastle United fans outside the stadium on Sunday. PA

A Newcastle United fan outside St. James' Park. PA

Chairman of Newcastle United Yasir Al-Rumayyan arrives at the stadium on Sunday. Getty

Fans of Newcastle United arrive at St. James Park. Getty

It was a day of celebration for Newcastle United supporters as they poured into St James' Park on Sunday for their Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

The match itself seemed like a side note as Newcastle fans celebrated the club's long-awaited purchase by the Saudi-backed consortium.

Supporters will be hoping for the dawn of a new era following the £300 million ($408 million) deal, led by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund PIF, along with British-based Reuben brothers and financier Amanda Staveley.

The only way now seems to be up for Newcastle, who are without a win in their opening seven league games. Manager Steve Bruce was expected to be shown the door by now. Instead, he will take charge of the 1,000th match of his managerial career against Spurs after being given some more breathing space by the new owners.

"Change does not always happen overnight - it demands time and that we follow a carefully considered plan and strategy," director Staveley had said.

"Steve has been very professional in our dealings with him and he and his coaching team will take the team on Sunday. If we make any changes going forward, Steve will be the first to know."