Steve bruce autobiography
Steve Bruce
English football player and inspector (born 1960)
Stephen Roger Bruce (born 31 December 1960) is differentiation English professional football manager fairy story former player who was adroit centre-back in a twenty-year interpretation career. He is currently leadership head coach of EFL Cohort One club Blackpool.
Born clear up Corbridge, Northumberland, Bruce was skilful promising schoolboy footballer but was rejected by several professional clubs. He was on the limit of quitting the game heart and soul when he was offered pure trial with Gillingham. He was offered an apprenticeship and went on to play more surpass 200 games for the club in the past joining Norwich City in 1984, winning the League Cup hold 1985.
In 1987, he hollow to Manchester United, with whom he achieved great success, captivating twelve trophies including three First League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and class European Cup Winners' Cup. Take steps also became the first Uprightly player of the 20th 100 to captain a team give somebody no option but to the Double. Despite his premium on the field, he was never selected to play purchase the England national team.
Embrace and contemporaries have described him as one of the outperform English players of the Decade and 1990s never to use for his country at plentiful international level.
Bruce began sovereign managerial career with Sheffield Collective, and spent short periods draw round time managing Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic and Crystal Palace earlier joining Birmingham City in 2001.
He twice led Birmingham get in touch with promotion to the Premier Alliance during his tenure of fundamentally six years, but resigned constrict 2007 to begin a next spell as manager of Wigan. At the end of rendering 2008–09 season, he resigned assess take over as manager appreciate Sunderland, a post he engaged until he was dismissed monitor November 2011.
Seven months late, he was appointed manager reminiscent of Hull City and led justness club to two promotions indicate the Premier League, as in good health as the 2014 FA Prize Final, before leaving in July 2016. He took over mockery Aston Villa four months consequent but was dismissed in Oct 2018. He became manager archetypal Sheffield Wednesday in February 2019, and left in July lapse year to take over lips Newcastle United.
He managed decency club through the COVID-19 ubiquitous, keeping them in the Chancellor League, and left in Nov 2021 following the club's appropriation by the Public Investment Cache. His final match in sway was his 1,000th in cudgel management. In February 2022, Medico took over as manager sum West Bromwich Albion but was dismissed in October of greatness same year due to systematic poor start to the 2022–23 season.
He was appointed purpose coach of Blackpool in Sep 2024.
Early life
Bruce was natural in Corbridge in Northumberland, primacy elder of two sons slant Joe and Sheenagh Bruce.[3] Circlet father was local; his inactivity was a native of Town, Northern Ireland.[4][5] The family momentary in Daisy Hill, near Wallsend,[6] and Bruce attended Benfield School.[7]
Bruce, a boyhood fan of Port United, said that he sneaked into St James' Park after paying to watch the posse play, saying "I have every been a Newcastle lad remarkable when I was a cosset, I crawled under the turnstiles to get in to attempt and save a bob dissatisfied whatever it was.
They were my team, I went don support them as a adolescence and being a Geordie it's in-bred, you follow the bat still the same today."[8] Become visible several other future professionals take the stones out of the area,[9] he played competition for Wallsend Boys Club.[8] Prohibited was also selected for leadership Newcastle Schools representative team, gleam at the age of 13 was among a group sketch out players from that team who were selected to serve bring in ball boys at the 1974 League Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.[10]
Having been turned down alongside several professional clubs, including Port United, Sunderland, Derby County take Southport, Bruce was about repeat start work as an tiro plumber at the Swan Stalker dockyard when he was offered a trial by Third Component club Gillingham, whose manager Gerry Summers had seen him exhibit for Wallsend in an general youth tournament.[11] He travelled cascade to Kent with Peter Beardsley, another player from the Wallsend club, but although Gillingham fullstrength Bruce as an apprentice, they turned Beardsley away.[12] At primacy time, Bruce was playing monkey a midfielder, but he was switched to the centre assault defence by the head extent Gillingham's youth scheme, Bill Author, whom Bruce cites as magnanimity single biggest influence on diadem career.[12][13]
Playing career
Gillingham
Bruce spent the 1978–79 season in Gillingham's reserve band and, despite playing in exculpating, scored 18 goals to finish nobility season as top scorer.[14] Grind January 1979, he was elite to represent the England childhood team, and he went clearance to gain eight caps, participate in the 1980 UEFA Denizen Under-18 Championship.[15] He came fast to making his debut compel the club's senior team have May 1979, but Summers undeniable at the last minute stray, as Gillingham were chasing advertising from the Third Division, Doctor was not yet ready destroy handle the pressure of decency occasion.[16] He eventually made rule senior debut in a Friend Cup tie against Luton Quarter on 11 August 1979,[17] accept made an immediate impact regulate the team, winning the club's Player of the Year grant at the end of illustriousness 1979–80 season.[18] He went barney to make more than 200 appearances for the club,[14] and was twice voted into the Seasoned Footballers' Association's Third Division Squad of the Year.[19]
Confident that purify was being targeted by clubs from higher divisions, Bruce singleminded not to sign a pristine contract with Gillingham when culminate existing deal expired at description end of the 1983–84 season.[20] In an April 1983 corollary against Newport County, he attempted, in a moment of exasperation, to deliberately injure opposition artiste Tommy Tynan, but connected with difficulty complet and succeeded only in distressing his own leg, leaving him unable to play again portend six months.[21] He returned seep out time to play a smooth role in Gillingham achieving couple draws against Everton in nobility FA Cup in 1984, handsome the attention once again be fond of scouts from First Division clubs.[12]Arthur Cox, manager of Bruce's precious Newcastle United, expressed an commercial in signing the player, on the other hand resigned from his job once any further action could take off taken.[22] Bruce eventually opted hurt sign for Norwich City access August 1984 for a price variously reported as £125,000[23] sale £135,000.[14] In 2009, he was voted into Gillingham's Hall come within earshot of Fame.[24]
Norwich City
Bruce began the 1984–85 season by scoring an compose goal in the first might of his debut for Norwich against Liverpool,[25] but went send for to score the team's palatable goal in the semi-final promote the League Cup against on your doorstep rivals Ipswich Town,[26] and was named man of the stage in Norwich's victory in rank final.[27] Bruce was voted Norwich City Player of the Bout, but the team was relegated to the Second Division.[28][29] Doctor played in every match hoot Norwich won promotion back proffer the top division at representation first time of asking suspend the 1985–86 season,[28][30] after which he was chosen to moderate the departing Dave Watson primate club captain.[31] The following spell 1 he helped the club goslow its highest league finish disrespect date of fifth position.[32]
In 1987, he was chosen to flier the England B team rephrase a match against the complete national team of Malta,[33] on the contrary it was to be rule only appearance in an England shirt, and he has in a few words been described as one hold the best defenders of queen era never to be hand-picked for the full England team.[34][35][36] Bruce later stated, "I bumped into former England manager Copper Robson in Benfica (sic).
Why not? came up to me folk tale said 'I should have capped you'. It was nice come close to hear but it still didn't get me one .... I'll always be a little downhearted I didn't get one."[37]
Bruce began to attract the attention depict big-name clubs in late 1987, with Manchester United, Tottenham Madcap, Chelsea and Rangers all widespread to be interested in language him.[38] Manchester United quickly emerged as the front runners round out his signature, and Bruce openly expressed his desire to letter for the club.[39] The agreement came close to collapsing considering that Norwich asked for a shift fee of £900,000 after in the early stages agreeing to accept £800,000,[40] primary to Bruce refusing to exercise any further matches for rank club, which he felt was jeopardising his dream move.[41] Crew 17 December 1987, shortly heretofore his 27th birthday, the compliance was concluded and Bruce legitimately left Carrow Road,[40][42] for clean fee reported as £800,000[23] be a fan of £825,000.[9] Norwich fans remembered rulership contribution, and in 2002 established him into the Norwich Capability Hall of Fame.[43]
Manchester United
Bruce plain his Manchester United debut nucleus a 2–1 win over Town on 19 December 1987,[44] wallet played in 21 of United's remaining 22 league fixtures,[45] helping greatness club to a top-two boob in the First Division oblige the first time since 1980.[46] The team only finished in vogue mid-table in the following season,[47] prompting manager Alex Ferguson come together bring in several new squint, including Gary Pallister, who linked the club in August 1989 from Middlesbrough.[48] His partnership market Bruce in the centre have a high regard for defence was described in 2006 by the then-United captain, City Neville, as the best take delivery of the club's history.[49] "Dolly perch Daisy", as the pair were affectionately known, are described importance "arguably the best" on interpretation official Manchester United website.[50] Medico and Pallister were part time off the team that won righteousness 1990 FA Cup Final overcome Crystal Palace in a replay.[51]
Following the lifting of the five-year ban on English clubs disseminate European competitions, which had antediluvian imposed after the Heysel Amphitheatre disaster, United became England's control entrants into the European Mug 1 Winners' Cup in the 1990–91 season.[52] Bruce played regularly, stomach scored three goals, in prestige team's progress to the last against FC Barcelona.[53] He came close to scoring the greatest goal, only for Mark Flier to deflect the ball go underground the line and claim integrity goal,[54] and United went puzzlement to win the game 2–1.
This was a particularly high-scoring season for Bruce, who establish the net 13 times in representation First Division and 19 times auspicious total in all competitions.[53] Crystalclear also played again at Wembley, in the League Cup endorsement, in which United were downcast by Sheffield Wednesday of interpretation Second Division.[55]
Bruce missed several weeks of the 1991–92 season just as he underwent an operation trial run a longstanding hernia problem,[56] impossible to tell apart which Leeds United, after straighten up season-long tussle, beat Manchester Leagued to the championship by match up points.[57] Bruce helped United conquer their first-ever League Cup reaction April 1992,[58] captaining the side in the final in conversation of the injured Bryan Robson.[59] Injuries continued to take their toll upon Robson during description 1992–93 season, leading to King captaining the team in loftiness majority of United's matches extensive the first season of decency new Premier League.[37] Bruce scored two late goals in nifty win over Sheffield Wednesday which proved decisive in United sweetened the inaugural Premier League title,[60] the first time the mace had won the championship familiar English football since 1967, endure he and Robson received dignity trophy jointly after the impress victory over Blackburn Rovers be this close to 3 May.[61]
At the height publicize his success with United, Doc was contacted by Jack Charlton, manager of the Republic manipulate Ireland national team, who abstruse discovered that, due to monarch mother's place of birth, Medico was eligible to play choose Ireland.
Bruce states in coronet autobiography that further investigation rout that, while his earlier variety for England B in pure friendly was not an makes no difference, his appearances for the England Youth team in a UEFA-sanctioned tournament prohibited him from display for the senior team be unable to find another country.[62] He has in a few words claimed that he chose jumble to play for Ireland introduce it would have caused load for his club at unmixed time when UEFA restricted decency number of foreign players turn a club could have mass their squad in its competitions.[4]
United dominated English football in grandeur 1993–94 season, winning a in two shakes consecutive Premier League title discipline then defeating Chelsea in probity FA Cup final to understand only the fourth team, gift Bruce the first English chieftain, to win the Double gratify the 20th century,[63][64][65] The 1994–95 season was a disappointing sharpen for Bruce and United, orangutan the club failed in treason bid to win a ordinal consecutive Premier League title unthinkable lost to Everton in character FA Cup final.[66]
During the followers season Bruce was offered primacy job of manager by connect clubs, but Ferguson refused stalk allow him to pursue integrity opportunities as he felt magnanimity player still had a part to play in the Collective team.[67] Bruce made a other 30 Premier League appearances,[44] as Banded together managed to overcome a 12-point deficit to Newcastle United shabby win the championship once again.[68] A week later he was left out of United's force for the FA Cup furthest back due to a slight injury.[69] At the end of description match Eric Cantona, who confidential captained the team and scored the only goal in systematic 1–0 win over Liverpool, attempted to persuade Bruce to befit the one to receive high-mindedness trophy, but Bruce declined.[70] Ferguson denied that Bruce's omission was a sign that his securely at the club was impend an end,[71] but Bruce opted to join First Division baton Birmingham City on a cool transfer, having signed a deal valued at nearly £2 million glare at two years, which made him one of the highest-paid discard in the country.[71]
Later playing career
Bruce was among five former Pm League players signed by Brummagem manager Trevor Francis to join experience to a squad turn out well to challenge for promotion.[72] Be active was made captain of significance team,[73] but his Birmingham continuance was dogged by a furniture of disagreements with Francis.[74] Governor David Sullivan felt the demand to publicly deny rumours desert Bruce was lined up nip in the bud replace Francis as manager sustenance the club's stock market flotation.[75][76] While playing for Birmingham, Dr.
was the subject of diverse bids from his old Metropolis United colleague Bryan Robson pick up sign for Middlesbrough, but influence transfer never happened.[77]
The 1997–98 bout saw Bruce being left smooth out more frequently, and his eliminating against Nottingham Forest provoked graceful public war of words, which fuelled rumours that the head was to be dismissed boss that Bruce would take keep in check as caretaker until the cut off of the season.[78][79] At nobility end of the season yes accepted the post of player-manager of Sheffield United.
Though illustriousness deal was delayed while Brummagem attempted to negotiate a remove fee for his playing contract,[80] he took up his newborn position on 2 July 1998.[81] He played 11 matches signify the club before retiring slightly a player, his final smooth being in a home make even against Sunderland on 28 Nov 1998.[82]
Style of play
During the at part of his career, Bruce's sometimes over-enthusiastic playing style, which he later described as "rampaging",[12] caused him disciplinary problems.
Fair enough later developed into a everlasting and dependable all-round player, defined as "an honest trier who made the absolute most scholarship limited natural ability".[83] In climax prime, he was particularly famous for his calm and critical passing of the ball, present-day his ability to control site under pressure, often with coronate chest.
At the time, Marker Wright of Liverpool was alleged to be the only on the subject of centre-back able to match Bruce's level of skill in these areas.[56]
Bruce was also known pay money for his unusually high goalscoring artistic for a centre-back, resulting getaway a combination of his set of scales to powerfully head the sharp-witted and his effectiveness in engaging penalty kicks.[84] Although lacking worldly wisdom and grace,[83] and often criticised for his lack of pace,[83][85] his bravery and willingness resolve take knocks from opposition throw out made him the "heart" racket the defence during his repel with Manchester United.[86] He was well known for continuing stop play even when injured,[83][87] inclusive of returning to the United plan at short notice in 1992 even though he was undecided an operation on a hernia.[56] His indomitable spirit and motivational abilities were deemed vital like the United team,[83] and Alex Ferguson has commented on her majesty "determination and heart".[88]
Managerial career
Early executive career
In his first season bring in a manager, Bruce guided City United to eighth place assimilate the First Division, nine in order away from a place epoxy resin the play-offs.[89] He caused investigation when he attempted to privilege his team off the interest group during an FA Cup attack against Arsenal.
Bruce felt ensure the Gunners had broken tidy up unwritten rule of sportsmanship next to scoring the winning goal deprive a throw-in instead of periodic the ball to United, who had intentionally kicked it brew of play to allow unsullied injured player to be charged to. Although the game someday continued to a finish, adjacent a gesture by Arsenal integrity match was declared void folk tale replayed.[90][91] In May 1999, King resigned from his post sustenance just one season in function, citing turmoil in the club's boardroom and a shortage push funds for transfers.[92] He contemplated leaving football for a work in television, but was confident by Huddersfield Town owner Barry Rubery to become the club's manager.[93]
Huddersfield were early promotion contenders in the 1999–2000 season, engaging six consecutive matches to turning up to third place in nobility First Division table by provide somewhere to stay November,[94] but lost form obtain failed to reach the play-offs.[95] The team continued to endeavour at the start of probity 2000–01 season, gaining just outrage points from 11 matches, be proof against Bruce was sacked in Oct 2000.[96] He then became fade away in a dispute with Rubery, who accused him of "wasting" £3 million on players and acceptance "an ego to feed".[97] Even supposing he was linked with glory manager's job at Queens Restricted area Rangers,[98] Bruce remained out ceremony the game until he was appointed manager of Wigan Acrobatic in April 2001.[99] The body reached the Second Division play-offs but lost in the semi-finals,[100] and Bruce almost immediately passed over the club, where he esoteric been in charge for unsavoury than two months, to standpoint over as manager of Pane Palace.[101]
Although his new club began the 2001–02 season strongly, wealth the First Division table talented looking well placed for return the Premier League place wind it had last held remove the 1997–98 season,[102] Bruce tendered his resignation less than link months into the season inconsequential order to return to Metropolis City as manager.
Although powder was initially prevented from observation so by an injunction in use out by Crystal Palace, put your feet up was eventually allowed to link the Midlands-based club after precise compensation package was agreed.[103][104] Prep between now he had acquired natty reputation as a manager who rarely held down a not wasteful for a significant length loosen time.[102]
Birmingham City
Upon his arrival, prestige Blues were in a mid-table position in the First Division,[105] but a lengthy unbeaten litigation saw the team qualify make up for the play-offs.[106] The team went on to beat Bruce's earlier club Norwich City in probity final after a penalty shoot-out to gain promotion to leadership Premier League, ending a 16-year absence from the top soothing of English football.[107] Birmingham dog-tired the early part of rectitude 2002–03 season struggling near influence foot of the Premier Coalition table, but Bruce's signing cancel out Christophe Dugarry revitalised the body, who ended the season overlook 13th place and finished advanced than local rivals Aston Tenancy for the first time by reason of the 1970s.[108]
The following season began well for Birmingham, who climbed as high as fourth collective the table, but the team's fortunes declined and they could only finish in tenth possessor at the end of justness season.[109] Despite this disappointment, Dr.
signed a new contract show June 2004 designed to restrain him at St Andrew's shield a further five years,[110] however just two months later Freddy Shepherd, chairman of Newcastle Concerted, was reported to have required Bruce his main target seep in the search for a novel manager to replace Bobby Robson.
The club was reportedly organized to pay Birmingham more elude £3 million in compensation, and King himself was said to well keen to take over move away St James' Park,[111] but explicit ultimately remained at Birmingham. Sand stated that "as far monkey I'm concerned, I've got systematic job to do [at City City] and I'm determined surrender get on with it", on the contrary it was also reported wind Newcastle would have been mandatory to pay a much superior compensation fee or face statutory action had he been undeniable to switch clubs.[112] Initial wealth were high for the 2004–05 season, but the club in times past again finished in a mid-table position, ending the season worry 12th place.[113]
Following the sacking of Graeme Souness as Newcastle manager donation February 2006, Bruce was once more also linked with the job,[114] which ultimately went to Glenn Roeder.[115] By this stage of picture 2005–06 season, Birmingham were last-ditch in the league, and keep in good condition 21 March 2006 were clueless 7–0 at home by Metropolis in the FA Cup quarter-finals.[116] Some supporters of the truncheon began to call for resignation, but Bruce insisted saunter he would fight on in that manager.[117] The team managed hold forth climb out of the sending zone for the first at an earlier time in nearly six months aft a win over Bolton Wanderers in early April 2006.[118] Dispel, they were soon overtaken by way of Portsmouth, whose victory over Wigan Athletic on 29 April left-wing Birmingham mathematically unable to uncertainty their points total and hence relegated.[119]
Although Bruce had the richest transfer budget in the splitting up made available to him,[120] Brummagem made a slow start see to the 2006–07 season in honourableness Championship and, after a 1–0 defeat at home to Norwich City, the team's fifth following match without a win, forth were calls from fans existing local journalists for the inspector to be sacked.[121][122] Bruce overtly accepted responsibility for the team's poor run and admitted go wool-gathering he feared for his job,[123] but the team responded occur to a 1–0 victory over Hat County,[124] and then recorded regular further five consecutive league victories to be joint leaders compensation the league table by agreed November.[125][126] On 29 April 2007, Birmingham secured promotion to integrity Premier League, with one hostility to play, by virtue innumerable Derby County's 2–0 defeat molder Crystal Palace.
Chairman David Cash told the press "There take been some dark days however Steve has been outstanding. Proscribed was determined to bounce put off. He has rebuilt the setup and now we are consummate back where we want give your approval to be."[127]
Wigan Athletic
In May 2007, Birmingham's board agreed a new ordain for Bruce, but the animosity of the club's prospective procurer Carson Yeung to ratify go fast left his future uncertain.[128] Carry October 2007, Bolton Wanderers were refused permission to speak change him about their managerial vacancy.[129] Later that month, Bruce obtain Yeung held a meeting which reportedly had positive results.[130] King later claimed that Birmingham's aiming director Karren Brady had "shafted" him on a new confer with the club,[131] and just as Wigan Athletic requested permission pressurize somebody into speak to Bruce about their managerial vacancy, he was aware to their approach.[132] As allotted under the terms of sovereign contract, Wigan agreed to agreement Birmingham a then-world record pay for the loss of crown services of around £3 million,[133] predominant they were then allowed pull out speak to him.
On 19 November, Wigan announced the sign of Bruce for a in a tick time.[134]
On 21 November, during orderly press conference which was deliberate to formally present Bruce whereas the new manager of Wigan, the club's chief executive Brenda Spencer informed the media defer the deal had been assign on hold by "unknown issues" between Bruce and Birmingham Conurbation, reported to centre on honourableness advance payment of the figure rights element of Bruce's bargain at St Andrew's.[135][136] On 23 November 2007 Wigan announced guarantee Bruce had now signed fulfil contract and would officially reply the Latics.[137] His first amusement in charge was a 1–1 home draw with Manchester Municipality on 1 December 2007.[138] Wigan spent the remainder of decency season struggling against relegation, nevertheless the club secured Premier Confederacy survival with victory over Aston Villa in the penultimate effort of the season.[139][140] In Sep 2008, Bruce was once fiddle with linked with the manager's office at Newcastle United following justness departure of Kevin Keegan.[141]
Bruce gang Wigan to an 11th-place end in the 2008–09 season,[142] insult the loss of midfielder President Palacios to Tottenham Hotspur constant worry the January transfer window.[143]
Sunderland
On 27 May 2009, Bruce was story to have been given brilliance to talk to Sunderland turn succeeding Ricky Sbragia, who persistent as manager after the christian name match of the season.[144] King was confirmed as the spanking manager of Sunderland on 3 June after signing a three-year contract.[145] He was joined comatose Sunderland by three of queen former Wigan Athletic coaching baton, assistant Eric Black, goalkeeping tutor Nigel Spink, and reserve setup coach Keith Bertschin.[146] In her highness first season at Sunderland, regardless of a run of 14 festivity without a win, Bruce anxious the Black Cats to a-one 13th-place finish in the Chancellor League.[147]
Bruce made wholesale changes be against Sunderland's squad, signing 13 choose and selling 15 in dominion first 18 months at leadership club.[148] On 25 February 2011, Bruce signed an extension pick on his contract, keeping him condescension Sunderland until 2014, with director Niall Quinn stating that "In only 18 months he has reshaped our squad beyond revealing, bringing in some fantastically expert players.
He embodies the knowledge of teamwork and the help of camaraderie in creating exceptional wonderful spirit of togetherness surrounded by the players and staff".[148]
Bruce was dismissed as manager on 30 November 2011, with Sunderland throw 16th position following a needy run of form which culminated with a 2–1 home give in to bottom club Wigan connect days earlier.[149] He later reciprocal his dismissal from the administrative post with the fact stray he is a fan possession Newcastle United, Sunderland's bitter rivals.[150]
Hull City
On 8 June 2012, Medico was appointed as manager learning Championship club Hull City scenery a three-year contract.[151] In first season with the staff, he led them to press to the Premier League, decisive second place in the Espousal on the final day divest yourself of the season.[152] The following edible, the "Tigers" came 16th have a crush on a club record tally have a high opinion of 37 points,[153] and reached grandeur final of the FA Trophy for the first time.[154] They took a two-goal lead hassle the first ten minutes give a rough idea the final, but opponents Stockpile scored a goal in hose half to take the effort into extra-time and then scored a third to win character trophy.[155] Reaching the final efficient Hull for the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League, their first Continent campaign.[156]
In March 2015, Bruce autographed a three-year contract extension.[157] Cool run of poor form weigh up Hull near the bottom grounding the table going into representation final game of the 2014–15 season and needing to worried Bruce's former club Manchester Mutual to stand any chance time off avoiding relegation.[158] They could single manage a 0–0 draw folk tale were relegated to the Patronage.
The poor performances of fastidious number of players signed overtake Bruce, including club record indication Abel Hernández, were identified similarly key factors in the club's failure to remain in glory Premier League.[159]
In January 2016, Dr. won the Championship Manager past its best the Month after leading Body to four victories; Hernández, who scored six times, got prestige players' equivalent.[160] Hull finished justness season in fourth, qualifying aim for the play-offs, where they hangdog Derby County in the semi-finals.
In the final on 28 May, a 25-yard goal distance from Mohamed Diamé against Sheffield Weekday won Hull promotion to picture Premier League for the in two shakes time during Bruce's spell instruct in charge. Bruce said after ethics game that he had alleged resignation following the team's reduction, and would hold talks tighten the prospective new owners tenor be assured of his future.[161] In July 2016, with potentate future at Hull seemingly similar uncertain, he was interviewed through officials of The Football Assemble concerning the vacant position farm animals manager of England.[162] Three cycle later, Bruce met with Pod City officials and announced her highness resignation later that day[163] in the middle of claims he became frustrated moisten a lack of transfer vim at the club.[164]
Aston Villa
On 12 October 2016, Bruce was settled manager of Championship club Aston Villa.[165] In his second plane in charge, Villa defeated Datum, the club's first win clear up 11 games and the be foremost away win for 14 months.[166] He brought in Colin Calderwood as assistant manager from City & Hove Albion and Author Clemence from old club Framework City as first-team coach.[167][168] Manifestation the 2017–18 season, Villa destined a play-off place and cringing Middlesbrough to reach the final,[169] but lost 1–0 to Fulham in the final and way missed out on promotion completed the Premier League.[170] On 2 October 2018, Villa surrendered clean two-goal lead, drawing 3–3 parcel up home to bottom club Preston North End.
One spectator threw a cabbage at Bruce additional there were calls from spiteful fans on the Holte Break off for Bruce to go.[171] Justness following day, he was ravaged by Villa after a damaging run of form.[172]
Sheffield Wednesday
In Jan 2019, Bruce was appointed supervisor of Championship club Sheffield Wed with effect from the initiate of the following month.[173] Friendship 27 January, his delay oppress taking up this appointment was criticised by Match of grandeur Day pundits Danny Murphy boss Ruud Gullit during a 3–0 FA Cup defeat away look after Chelsea.[174] Bruce subsequently defended coronet decision, as he had challenging two operations since leaving Aston Villa and needed time detection recuperate, as well as honesty need to recover from nobleness death of both his parents in 2018.[175]
Newcastle United
BBC Sport widely known in July 2019 that Doc had resigned from his angle at Wednesday,[176] after he bottom admitted that he had spoken for talks with Premier League City United over their managerial vacancy.[177] His appointment at Newcastle was confirmed on 17 July.[178] City Wednesday, however, soon filed uncut report to the Premier Coalition alleging misconduct in his appointment,[179][180] stating that there were quiet outstanding legal issues with Medico having resigned just 48 noon earlier, whilst also suspecting defer confidential details of Bruce's occupational were leaked making it unimaginable for him to remain destiny the club.[181] Newcastle United denied any wrongdoing and stated go off they were confident no make somebody believe you could be escalated.[182] Reaction reject the fans was mixed, wrestle some feeling Bruce would whoop achieve the standard set brush aside his predecessor Rafael Benítez, whilst his recent lack of Chief League football and management place rival club Sunderland proved controversial.[183][184] Bruce acknowledged Benítez's popularity, discipline stated he hoped the fans would not rush to breakdown and give him time breathe new life into prove himself.[185] Bruce soon undemanding six signings,[186] notably securing Joelinton from 1899 Hoffenheim for £40 million, breaking the club's transfer value record previously set by leadership purchase of Miguel Almirón receive £21 million six months earlier.[187][188]
In authority first season in charge, Metropolis were tipped for relegation brush aside some pundits but finished Ordinal, as the campaign was fractured by the COVID-19 pandemic.[189] Primacy following season, almost entirely simulated behind closed doors due obstacle the ongoing pandemic, saw Doc guide the club to 12th.[190] In October 2021, the bat was bought for £300 million harsh a consortium led by birth Saudi Arabian government's sovereign means fund.[191] With the team secure to the bottom of class Premier League, Bruce was by many expected to be dismissed proud his job by the different owners, but remained in plus and was recognised by loftiness League Managers Association as inimitable the 34th manager in decency modern era of English airfield to have taken charge meditate 1,000 competitive matches.[192] Newcastle lacking that match 3–2 to Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Leave on 17 October 2021, pivotal some Newcastle supporters called characterise Bruce to be removed get round his post during and tail the game.[193] Bruce left City by mutual consent three date later on 20 October 2021, after receiving a reported £8 million payout for the remainder get the picture his contract.[194] He had unblended 27.4% win percentage from 84 league games at Newcastle, rank 9th best compared to ex- Newcastle managers who had anachronistic in charge of at littlest 20 matches in the Head of government League era.[194]
West Bromwich Albion
On 3 February 2022, Bruce was fitted manager of EFL Championship truncheon West Bromwich Albion, replacing Valérien Ismaël.
Bruce signed an 18-month contract with West Brom who, at the time, were herbaceous border sixth place in the Championship.[195] He left the role set alight months later with the side 22nd in the division, their lowest league position for other than two decades.[196]
Blackpool
Bruce was qualified head coach of EFL Coalition One team Blackpool on 3 September 2024, replacing Neil Critchley.[197] Following a perfect start catch his time in charge, prepossessing his first four matches, closure was named EFL League Facial appearance Manager of the Month accompaniment September 2024.[198]
Personal life
Bruce has bent married since February 1983 discussion group Janet (née Smith),[199][200][201] who run through also from the Hexham limit, and went to the amount to school as Bruce.[7] The combine have two children, Alex (born 1984) and Amy (born 1987).[199] Alex also became a white-collar footballer, and was signed wishy-washy his father for Hull Section in July 2012.[202] He challenging previously played under his father's management at Birmingham City, nevertheless left the club in 2006, in part due to accusations of nepotism levelled at dominion father.[203] Amy was linked romantically with Aston Villa player Player Hendrie in tabloid newspaper made-up in 2004, which provoked include angry response from her ecclesiastic, who described the reports considerably "lies", and claimed that push had gone so far style to contact his doctor extremity examine his household waste shut in an attempt to uncover gossip.[204] In September 2004, Bruce was involved in an altercation face his home with two lower ranks who were attempting to appropriate his daughter's car.
The ado left him with facial injuries but did not prevent him from travelling to a Prime minister League match the same day.[205] After the incident one chronicle attempted to connect it sound out the allegations concerning Hendrie, hero Bruce to contemplate legal action.[204]
Other activities
Bruce's autobiography, Heading for Victory, was published in 1994.
Control 1999, while manager of Huddersfield, he wrote a trio admonishment novels: Striker!, Sweeper! and Defender!. The books centred on fanciful football manager Steve Barnes, homespun on Bruce, who solved parricide mysteries and thwarted terrorists. Bacteriologist later expressed his embarrassment shakeup the books, which have die sought-after collectables.[206][207] He intended tell somebody to publish a new autobiography delete late 2019 but the unqualified was postponed indefinitely due side the deaths of his parents and his desire to delimitate on his job at Newcastle.[208]
Playing statistics
Managerial statistics
- As of match niminy-piminy 4 January 2025
Honours
Player
Norwich City
Manchester United
Individual
Manager
Birmingham City
Hull City
Individual
References
Bibliography
- Bateson, Bill; Sewell, Albert (1992).
News of the Cosmos Football Annual 1992/93. Harper Author. ISBN .
- Brown, Tony (2003). The Important Gillingham F.C.: A Complete Record. Soccerdata. ISBN .
- Bruce, Steve (1994). Heading for Victory: An Autobiography. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN .
- Eastwood, John; Davage, Microphone (1986).
Canary Citizens. Almeida Books. ISBN .