Jump to content

Steve Bruce

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Steve Bruce
Bruce in 2011
Personal information
Full name Stephen Roger Bruce[1]
Date of birth (1960-12-31) 31 December 1960 (age 63)[1]
Place of birth Corbridge, England
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[2]
Position(s) Centre-back[1]
Team information
Current team
 Blackpool (head coach)
Youth career
1977–1979 Gillingham
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1979–1984 Gillingham 205 (29)
1984–1987 Norwich City 141 (14)
1987–1996 Manchester United 309 (36)
1996–1998 Birmingham City 72 (2)
1998–1999 Sheffield United 10 (0)
Total 737 (81)
International career
1979–1980 England Youth 8 (1)
1987 England B 1 (0)
Managerial career
1998–1999 Sheffield United
1999–2000 Huddersfield Town
2001 Wigan Athletic
2001 Crystal Palace
2001–2007 Birmingham City
2007–2009 Wigan Athletic
2009–2011 Sunderland
2012–2016 Hull City
2016–2018 Aston Villa
2019 Sheffield Wednesday
2019–2021 Newcastle United
2022 West Bromwich Albion
2024– Blackpool
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Stephen Roger Bruce (born 31 December 1960) is an English professional football manager and former player who was a centre-back in a twenty-year playing career. He is currently the head coach of EFL League One club Blackpool.

Born in Corbridge, Northumberland, Bruce was a promising schoolboy footballer but was rejected by several professional clubs. He was on the verge of quitting the game altogether when he was offered a trial with Gillingham. He was offered an apprenticeship and went on to play more than 200 games for the club before joining Norwich City in 1984, winning the League Cup in 1985. In 1987, he moved to Manchester United, with whom he achieved great success, winning twelve trophies including three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup. He also became the first English player of the 20th century to captain a team to the Double. Despite his success on the field, he was never selected to play for the England national team. Commentators and contemporaries have described him as one of the best English players of the 1980s and 1990s never to play for his country at full international level.

Bruce began his managerial career with Sheffield United, and spent short periods of time managing Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic and Crystal Palace before joining Birmingham City in 2001. He twice led Birmingham to promotion to the Premier League during his tenure of nearly six years, but resigned in 2007 to begin a second spell as manager of Wigan. At the end of the 2008–09 season, he resigned to take over as manager of Sunderland, a post he held until he was dismissed in November 2011. Seven months later, he was appointed manager of Hull City and led the club to two promotions to the Premier League, as well as the 2014 FA Cup Final, before leaving in July 2016. He took over at Aston Villa four months later but was dismissed in October 2018. He became manager of Sheffield Wednesday in February 2019, and left in July that year to take over at Newcastle United. He managed the club through the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping them in the Premier League, and left in November 2021 following the club's takeover by the Public Investment Fund. His final match in charge was his 1,000th in club management. In February 2022, Bruce took over as manager of West Bromwich Albion but was dismissed in October of the same year due to a poor start to the 2022–23 season. He was appointed head coach of Blackpool in September 2024.

Early life

Corbridge, Bruce's place of birth

Bruce was born in Corbridge in Northumberland, the elder of two sons of Joe and Sheenagh Bruce.[3] His father was local; his mother was a native of Bangor, Northern Ireland.[4][5] The family lived in Daisy Hill, near Wallsend,[6] and Bruce attended Benfield School.[7]

Bruce, a boyhood fan of Newcastle United, said that he sneaked into St James' Park without paying to watch the team play, saying "I have always been a Newcastle lad and when I was a kid, I crawled under the turnstiles to get in to try and save a bob or whatever it was. They were my team, I went to support them as a boy and being a Geordie it's in-bred, you follow the club still the same today."[8] Like several other future professionals from the area,[9] he played football for Wallsend Boys Club.[8] He was also selected for the Newcastle Schools representative team, and at the age of 13 was among a group of players from that team who were selected to serve as ball boys at the 1974 League Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.[10]

Having been turned down by several professional clubs, including Newcastle United, Sunderland, Derby County and Southport, Bruce was about to start work as an apprentice plumber at the Swan Hunter dockyard when he was offered a trial by Third Division club Gillingham, whose manager Gerry Summers had seen him playing for Wallsend in an international youth tournament.[11] He travelled down to Kent with Peter Beardsley, another player from the Wallsend club, but although Gillingham signed Bruce as an apprentice, they turned Beardsley away.[12] At the time, Bruce was playing as a midfielder, but he was switched to the centre of defence by the head of Gillingham's youth scheme, Bill Collins, whom Bruce cites as the single biggest influence on his career.[12][13]

Playing career

Gillingham

Priestfield Stadium, home of Gillingham F.C., where Bruce began his playing career

Bruce spent the 1978–79 season in Gillingham's reserve team and, despite playing in defence, scored 18 goals to finish the season as top scorer.[14] In January 1979, he was selected to represent the England youth team, and he went on to gain eight caps, participating in the 1980 UEFA European Under-18 Championship.[15] He came close to making his debut for the club's senior team in May 1979, but Summers decided at the last minute that, as Gillingham were chasing promotion from the Third Division, Bruce was not yet ready to handle the pressure of the occasion.[16] He eventually made his senior debut in a League Cup tie against Luton Town on 11 August 1979,[17] and made an immediate impact in the team, winning the club's Player of the Year award at the end of the 1979–80 season.[18] He went on to make more than 200 appearances for the club,[14] and was twice voted into the Professional Footballers' Association's Third Division Team of the Year.[19]

Confident that he was being targeted by clubs from higher divisions, Bruce resolved not to sign a new contract with Gillingham when his existing deal expired at the end of the 1983–84 season.[20] In an April 1983 match against Newport County, he attempted, in a moment of anger, to deliberately injure opposition player Tommy Tynan, but connected awkwardly and succeeded only in breaking his own leg, leaving him unable to play again for six months.[21] He returned in time to play a key role in Gillingham achieving two draws against Everton in the FA Cup in 1984, attracting the attention once again of scouts from First Division clubs.[12] Arthur Cox, manager of Bruce's beloved Newcastle United, expressed an interest in signing the player, but resigned from his job before any further action could be taken.[22] Bruce eventually opted to sign for Norwich City in August 1984 for a fee variously reported as £125,000[23] or £135,000.[14] In 2009, he was voted into Gillingham's Hall of Fame.[24]

Norwich City

Bruce pictured circa 1986, during his time with Norwich City

Bruce began the 1984–85 season by scoring an own goal in the first minute of his debut for Norwich against Liverpool,[25] but went on to score the team's winning goal in the semi-final of the League Cup against local rivals Ipswich Town,[26] and was named man of the match in Norwich's victory in the final.[27] Bruce was voted Norwich City Player of the Season, but the team was relegated to the Second Division.[28][29] Bruce played in every match as Norwich won promotion back to the top division at the first time of asking in the 1985–86 season,[28][30] after which he was chosen to replace the departing Dave Watson as club captain.[31] The following season he helped the club to its highest league finish to date of fifth position.[32]

In 1987, he was chosen to captain the England B team in a match against the full national team of Malta,[33] but it was to be his only appearance in an England shirt, and he has subsequently been described as one of the best defenders of his era never to be selected for the full England team.[34][35][36] Bruce later stated, "I bumped into former England manager Bobby Robson in Benfica (sic). He came up to me and said 'I should have capped you'. It was nice to hear but it still didn't get me one .... I'll always be a little disappointed I didn't get one."[37]

Bruce began to attract the attention of big-name clubs in late 1987, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Rangers all reported to be interested in signing him.[38] Manchester United quickly emerged as the front runners for his signature, and Bruce publicly expressed his desire to sign for the club.[39] The deal came close to collapsing when Norwich asked for a transfer fee of £900,000 after initially agreeing to accept £800,000,[40] leading to Bruce refusing to play any further matches for the club, which he felt was jeopardising his dream move.[41] On 17 December 1987, shortly before his 27th birthday, the deal was concluded and Bruce officially left Carrow Road,[40][42] for a fee reported as £800,000[23] or £825,000.[9] Norwich fans remembered his contribution, and in 2002 voted him into the Norwich City Hall of Fame.[43]

Manchester United

Bruce made his Manchester United debut in a 2–1 win over Portsmouth on 19 December 1987,[44] and played in 21 of United's remaining 22 league fixtures,[45] helping the club to a top-two place in the First Division for the first time since 1980.[46] The team only finished in mid-table in the following season,[47] prompting manager Alex Ferguson to bring in several new players, including Gary Pallister, who joined the club in August 1989 from Middlesbrough.[48] His partnership with Bruce in the centre of defence was described in 2006 by the then-United captain, Gary Neville, as the best in the club's history.[49] "Dolly and Daisy", as the pair were affectionately known, are described as "arguably the best" on the official Manchester United website.[50] Bruce and Pallister were part of the team that won the 1990 FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace in a replay.[51]

Following the lifting of the five-year ban on English clubs from European competitions, which had been imposed after the Heysel Stadium disaster, United became England's first entrants into the European Cup Winners' Cup in the 1990–91 season.[52] Bruce played regularly, and scored three goals, in the team's progress to the final against FC Barcelona.[53] He came close to scoring the first goal, only for Mark Hughes to deflect the ball over the line and claim the goal,[54] and United went on to win the game 2–1. This was a particularly high-scoring season for Bruce, who found the net 13 times in the First Division and 19 times in total in all competitions.[53] He also played again at Wembley, in the League Cup final, in which United were defeated by Sheffield Wednesday of the Second Division.[55]

Bruce pictured in 1992, during his time at Manchester United

Bruce missed several weeks of the 1991–92 season when he underwent an operation on a longstanding hernia problem,[56] in which Leeds United, after a season-long tussle, beat Manchester United to the championship by four points.[57] Bruce helped United win their first-ever League Cup in April 1992,[58] captaining the team in the final in place of the injured Bryan Robson.[59] Injuries continued to take their toll upon Robson during the 1992–93 season, leading to Bruce captaining the team in the majority of United's matches during the first season of the new Premier League.[37] Bruce scored two late goals in a win over Sheffield Wednesday which proved decisive in United winning the inaugural Premier League title,[60] the first time the club had won the championship of English football since 1967, and he and Robson received the trophy jointly after the home victory over Blackburn Rovers on 3 May.[61]

At the height of his success with United, Bruce was contacted by Jack Charlton, manager of the Republic of Ireland national team, who had discovered that, due to his mother's place of birth, Bruce was eligible to play for Ireland. Bruce states in his autobiography that further investigation revealed that, while his earlier appearance for England B in a friendly was not an issue, his appearances for the England Youth team in a UEFA-sanctioned tournament prohibited him from playing for the senior team of another country.[62] He has subsequently claimed that he chose not to play for Ireland as it would have caused problems for his club at a time when UEFA restricted the number of foreign players that a club could have in their squad in its competitions.[4]

United dominated English football in the 1993–94 season, winning a second consecutive Premier League title and then defeating Chelsea in the FA Cup final to become only the fourth team, and Bruce the first English captain, to win the Double in the 20th century,[63][64][65] The 1994–95 season was a disappointing one for Bruce and United, as the club failed in its bid to win a third consecutive Premier League title and lost to Everton in the FA Cup final.[66]

During the following season Bruce was offered the job of manager by three clubs, but Ferguson refused to allow him to pursue the opportunities as he felt the player still had a role to play in the United team.[67] Bruce made a further 30 Premier League appearances,[44] as United managed to overcome a 12-point deficit to Newcastle United to win the championship once again.[68] A week later he was left out of United's squad for the FA Cup final due to a slight injury.[69] At the end of the match Eric Cantona, who had captained the team and scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over Liverpool, attempted to persuade Bruce to be the one to receive the trophy, but Bruce declined.[70] Ferguson denied that Bruce's omission was a sign that his time at the club was nearing an end,[71] but Bruce opted to join First Division club Birmingham City on a free transfer, having signed a contract valued at nearly £2 million over two years, which made him one of the highest-paid players in the country.[71]

Later playing career

Bruce was among five former Premier League players signed by Birmingham manager Trevor Francis to add experience to a squad expected to challenge for promotion.[72] He was made captain of the team,[73] but his Birmingham career was dogged by a series of disagreements with Francis.[74] Director David Sullivan felt the need to publicly deny rumours that Bruce was lined up to replace Francis as manager after the club's stock market flotation.[75][76] While playing for Birmingham, Bruce was the subject of several bids from his old Manchester United colleague Bryan Robson to sign for Middlesbrough, but the transfer never happened.[77]

The 1997–98 season saw Bruce being left out more frequently, and his omission against Nottingham Forest provoked a public war of words, which fuelled rumours that the manager was to be dismissed and that Bruce would take over as caretaker until the end of the season.[78][79] At the end of the season he accepted the post of player-manager of Sheffield United. Though the deal was delayed while Birmingham attempted to negotiate a transfer fee for his playing contract,[80] he took up his new position on 2 July 1998.[81] He played 11 matches for the club before retiring as a player, his final appearance being in a home match against Sunderland on 28 November 1998.[82]

Style of play

During the early part of his career, Bruce's sometimes over-enthusiastic playing style, which he later described as "rampaging",[12] caused him disciplinary problems. He later developed into a solid and dependable all-round player, characterised as "an honest trier who made the absolute most of limited natural ability".[83] In his prime, he was particularly noted for his calm and deliberate passing of the ball, and his ability to control it under pressure, often with his chest. At the time, Mark Wright of Liverpool was said to be the only other centre-back able to match Bruce's level of skill in these areas.[56]

Bruce was also known for his unusually high goalscoring rate for a centre-back, resulting from a combination of his ability to powerfully head the ball and his effectiveness in taking penalty kicks.[84] Although lacking poise and grace,[83] and often criticised for his lack of pace,[83][85] his bravery and willingness to take knocks from opposition players made him the "heart" of the defence during his time with Manchester United.[86] He was well known for continuing to play even when injured,[83][87] including returning to the United team at short notice in 1992 even though he was awaiting an operation on a hernia.[56] His indomitable spirit and motivational abilities were deemed vital to the United team,[83] and Alex Ferguson has commented on his "determination and heart".[88]

Managerial career

Early managerial career

In his first season as a manager, Bruce guided Sheffield United to eighth place in the First Division, nine points away from a place in the play-offs.[89] He caused controversy when he attempted to take his team off the pitch during an FA Cup match against Arsenal. Bruce felt that the Gunners had broken an unwritten rule of sportsmanship by scoring the winning goal from a throw-in instead of returning the ball to United, who had intentionally kicked it out of play to allow an injured player to be attended to. Although the game eventually continued to a finish, following a gesture by Arsenal the match was declared void and replayed.[90][91] In May 1999, Bruce resigned from his post after just one season in charge, citing turmoil in the club's boardroom and a shortage of funds for transfers.[92] He contemplated leaving football for a job in television, but was persuaded by Huddersfield Town owner Barry Rubery to become the club's manager.[93]

Huddersfield were early promotion contenders in the 1999–2000 season, winning six consecutive matches to rise to third place in the First Division table by late November,[94] but lost form and failed to reach the play-offs.[95] The team continued to struggle at the start of the 2000–01 season, gaining just six points from 11 matches, and Bruce was sacked in October 2000.[96] He then became involved in a dispute with Rubery, who accused him of "wasting" £3 million on players and having "an ego to feed".[97] Although he was linked with the manager's job at Queens Park Rangers,[98] Bruce remained out of the game until he was appointed manager of Wigan Athletic in April 2001.[99] The team reached the Second Division play-offs but lost in the semi-finals,[100] and Bruce almost immediately left the club, where he had been in charge for less than two months, to take over as manager of Crystal Palace.[101]

Although his new club began the 2001–02 season strongly, topping the First Division table and looking well placed for regaining the Premier League place that it had last held in the 1997–98 season,[102] Bruce tendered his resignation less than three months into the season in order to return to Birmingham City as manager. Although he was initially prevented from doing so by an injunction taken out by Crystal Palace, he was eventually allowed to join the Midlands-based club after a compensation package was agreed.[103][104] By now he had acquired a reputation as a manager who rarely held down a job for a significant length of time.[102]

Birmingham City

Bruce managing Birmingham City in 2004

Upon his arrival, the Blues were in a mid-table position in the First Division,[105] but a lengthy unbeaten run saw the team qualify for the play-offs.[106] The team went on to beat Bruce's former club Norwich City in the final after a penalty shoot-out to gain promotion to the Premier League, ending a 16-year absence from the top level of English football.[107] Birmingham spent the early part of the 2002–03 season struggling near the foot of the Premier League table, but Bruce's signing of Christophe Dugarry revitalised the team, who ended the season in 13th place and finished higher than local rivals Aston Villa for the first time since the 1970s.[108]

The following season began well for Birmingham, who climbed as high as fourth in the table, but the team's fortunes declined and they could only finish in tenth place at the end of the season.[109] Despite this disappointment, Bruce signed a new contract in June 2004 designed to keep him at St Andrew's for a further five years,[110] but just two months later Freddy Shepherd, chairman of Newcastle United, was reported to have made Bruce his main target in the search for a new manager to replace Bobby Robson. The club was reportedly prepared to pay Birmingham more than £3 million in compensation, and Bruce himself was said to be keen to take over at St James' Park,[111] but he ultimately remained at Birmingham. He stated that "as far as I'm concerned, I've got a job to do [at Birmingham City] and I'm determined to get on with it", but it was also reported that Newcastle would have been required to pay a much larger compensation fee or face legal action had he been persuaded to switch clubs.[112] Initial expectations were high for the 2004–05 season, but the club once again finished in a mid-table position, ending the season in 12th place.[113]

Following the sacking of Graeme Souness as Newcastle manager in February 2006, Bruce was again linked with the job,[114] which ultimately went to Glenn Roeder.[115] By this stage of the 2005–06 season, Birmingham were struggling in the league, and on 21 March 2006 were beaten 7–0 at home by Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.[116] Some supporters of the club began to call for his resignation, but Bruce insisted that he would fight on as manager.[117] The team managed to climb out of the relegation zone for the first time in nearly six months after a win over Bolton Wanderers in early April 2006.[118] However, they were soon overtaken by Portsmouth, whose victory over Wigan Athletic on 29 April left Birmingham mathematically unable to match their points total and therefore relegated.[119]

Although Bruce had the largest transfer budget in the division made available to him,[120] Birmingham made a slow start to the 2006–07 season in the Championship and, after a 1–0 defeat at home to Norwich City, the team's fifth consecutive match without a win, there were calls from fans and local journalists for the manager to be sacked.[121][122] Bruce publicly accepted responsibility for the team's poor run and admitted that he feared for his job,[123] but the team responded with a 1–0 victory over Derby County,[124] and then recorded a further five consecutive league victories to be joint leaders of the league table by late November.[125][126] On 29 April 2007, Birmingham secured promotion to the Premier League, with one match to play, by virtue of Derby County's 2–0 defeat at Crystal Palace. Chairman David Gold told the press "There have been some dark days but Steve has been outstanding. He was determined to bounce back. He has rebuilt the team and now we are all back where we want to be."[127]

Wigan Athletic

In May 2007, Birmingham's board agreed a new contract for Bruce, but the unwillingness of the club's prospective purchaser Carson Yeung to ratify it left his future uncertain.[128] In October 2007, Bolton Wanderers were refused permission to speak to him about their managerial vacancy.[129] Later that month, Bruce and Yeung held a meeting which reportedly had positive results.[130] Bruce later claimed that Birmingham's managing director Karren Brady had "shafted" him on a new contract with the club,[131] and when Wigan Athletic requested permission to speak to Bruce about their managerial vacancy, he was receptive to their approach.[132] As required under the terms of his contract, Wigan agreed to pay Birmingham a then-world record compensation for the loss of his services of around £3 million,[133] and they were then allowed to speak to him. On 19 November, Wigan announced the signing of Bruce for a second time.[134]

On 21 November, during a press conference which was intended to formally present Bruce as the new manager of Wigan, the club's chief executive Brenda Spencer informed the media that the deal had been put on hold by "unknown issues" between Bruce and Birmingham City, reported to centre on the advance payment of the image rights element of Bruce's contract at St Andrew's.[135][136] On 23 November 2007 Wigan announced that Bruce had now signed his contract and would officially rejoin the Latics.[137] His first game in charge was a 1–1 home draw with Manchester City on 1 December 2007.[138] Wigan spent the remainder of the season struggling against relegation, but the club secured Premier League survival with victory over Aston Villa in the penultimate game of the season.[139][140] In September 2008, Bruce was once again linked with the manager's job at Newcastle United following the departure of Kevin Keegan.[141]

Bruce led Wigan to an 11th-place finish in the 2008–09 season,[142] despite the loss of midfielder Wilson Palacios to Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window.[143]

Sunderland

Bruce managing Sunderland in 2011

On 27 May 2009, Bruce was reported to have been given permission to talk to Sunderland about succeeding Ricky Sbragia, who resigned as manager after the last match of the season.[144] Bruce was confirmed as the new manager of Sunderland on 3 June after signing a three-year contract.[145] He was joined at Sunderland by three of his former Wigan Athletic coaching staff, assistant Eric Black, goalkeeping coach Nigel Spink, and reserve team coach Keith Bertschin.[146] In his first season at Sunderland, despite a run of 14 games without a win, Bruce led the Black Cats to a 13th-place finish in the Premier League.[147]

Bruce made wholesale changes to Sunderland's squad, signing 13 players and selling 15 in his first 18 months at the club.[148] On 25 February 2011, Bruce signed an extension to his contract, keeping him at Sunderland until 2014, with chairman Niall Quinn stating that "In only 18 months he has reshaped our squad beyond recognition, bringing in some fantastically talented players. He embodies the ethos of teamwork and the importance of camaraderie in creating a wonderful spirit of togetherness amongst the players and staff".[148]

Bruce was dismissed as manager on 30 November 2011, with Sunderland in 16th position following a poor run of form which culminated with a 2–1 home defeat to bottom club Wigan four days earlier.[149] He later linked his dismissal from the managerial post with the fact that he is a fan of Newcastle United, Sunderland's bitter rivals.[150]

Hull City

On 8 June 2012, Bruce was appointed as manager at Championship club Hull City on a three-year contract.[151] In his first season with the club, he led them to promotion to the Premier League, clinching second place in the Championship on the final day of the season.[152] The following season, the "Tigers" came 16th with a club record tally of 37 points,[153] and reached the final of the FA Cup for the first time.[154] They took a two-goal lead in the first ten minutes of the final, but opponents Arsenal scored a goal in each half to take the game into extra-time and then scored a third to win the trophy.[155] Reaching the final qualified Hull for the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League, their first European campaign.[156]

In March 2015, Bruce signed a three-year contract extension.[157] A run of poor form left Hull near the bottom of the table going into the final game of the 2014–15 season and needing to defeat Bruce's former club Manchester United to stand any chance of avoiding relegation.[158] They could only manage a 0–0 draw and were relegated to the Championship. The poor performances of a number of players signed by Bruce, including club record signing Abel Hernández, were identified as key factors in the club's failure to remain in the Premier League.[159]

In January 2016, Bruce won the Championship Manager of the Month after leading Hull to four victories; Hernández, who scored six times, got the players' equivalent.[160] Hull finished the season in fourth, qualifying for the play-offs, where they defeated Derby County in the semi-finals. In the final on 28 May, a 25-yard goal from Mohamed Diamé against Sheffield Wednesday won Hull promotion to the Premier League for the second time during Bruce's spell in charge. Bruce said after the game that he had considered resignation following the team's relegation, and would hold talks with the prospective new owners to be assured of his future.[161] In July 2016, with his future at Hull seemingly still uncertain, he was interviewed by officials of The Football Association concerning the vacant position of manager of England.[162] Three days later, Bruce met with Hull City officials and announced his resignation later that day[163] amid claims he became frustrated by a lack of transfer activity at the club.[164]

Aston Villa

On 12 October 2016, Bruce was appointed manager of Championship club Aston Villa.[165] In his second match in charge, Villa defeated Reading, the club's first win in 11 games and the first away win for 14 months.[166] He brought in Colin Calderwood as assistant manager from Brighton & Hove Albion and Stephen Clemence from old club Hull City as first-team coach.[167][168] In the 2017–18 season, Villa secured a play-off place and defeated Middlesbrough to reach the final,[169] but lost 1–0 to Fulham in the final and thus missed out on promotion to the Premier League.[170] On 2 October 2018, Villa surrendered a two-goal lead, drawing 3–3 at home to bottom club Preston North End. One spectator threw a cabbage at Bruce and there were calls from home fans on the Holte End for Bruce to go.[171] The following day, he was sacked by Villa after a poor run of form.[172]

Sheffield Wednesday

In January 2019, Bruce was appointed manager of Championship club Sheffield Wednesday with effect from the start of the following month.[173] On 27 January, his delay in taking up this appointment was criticised by Match of the Day pundits Danny Murphy and Ruud Gullit during a 3–0 FA Cup defeat away to Chelsea.[174] Bruce subsequently defended his decision, as he had had two operations since leaving Aston Villa and needed time to recuperate, as well as the need to recover from the death of both his parents in 2018.[175]

Newcastle United

BBC Sport reported in July 2019 that Bruce had resigned from his position at Wednesday,[176] after he earlier admitted that he had held talks with Premier League Newcastle United over their managerial vacancy.[177] His appointment at Newcastle was confirmed on 17 July.[178] Sheffield Wednesday, however, soon filed a report to the Premier League alleging misconduct in his appointment,[179][180] stating that there were still outstanding legal issues with Bruce having resigned just 48 hours earlier, whilst also suspecting that confidential details of Bruce's contract were leaked making it impossible for him to remain at the club.[181] Newcastle United denied any wrongdoing and stated that they were confident no case could be escalated.[182] Reaction from the fans was mixed, with some feeling Bruce would not achieve the standard set by his predecessor Rafael Benítez, whilst his recent lack of Premier League football and management of rival club Sunderland proved controversial.[183][184] Bruce acknowledged Benítez's popularity, and stated he hoped the fans would not rush to judgement and give him time to prove himself.[185] Bruce soon made six signings,[186] notably securing Joelinton from 1899 Hoffenheim for £40 million, breaking the club's transfer fee record previously set by the purchase of Miguel Almirón for £21 million six months earlier.[187][188]

In his first season in charge, Newcastle were tipped for relegation by some pundits but finished 13th, as the campaign was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.[189] The following season, almost entirely played behind closed doors due to the ongoing pandemic, saw Bruce guide the club to 12th.[190] In October 2021, the club was bought for £300 million by a consortium led by the Saudi Arabian government's sovereign wealth fund.[191] With the team close to the bottom of the Premier League, Bruce was widely expected to be dismissed from his job by the new owners, but remained in charge and was recognised by the League Managers Association as only the 34th manager in the modern era of English football to have taken charge for 1,000 competitive matches.[192] Newcastle lost that match 3–2 to Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park on 17 October 2021, and some Newcastle supporters called for Bruce to be removed from his post during and after the game.[193] Bruce left Newcastle by mutual consent three days later on 20 October 2021, after receiving a reported £8 million payout for the remainder of his contract.[194] He had a 27.4% win percentage from 84 league games at Newcastle, the 9th best compared to previous Newcastle managers who had been in charge of at least 20 matches in the Premier League era.[194]

West Bromwich Albion

On 3 February 2022, Bruce was appointed manager of EFL Championship club West Bromwich Albion, replacing Valérien Ismaël. Bruce signed an 18-month contract with West Brom who, at the time, were in sixth place in the Championship.[195] He left the role eight months later with the team 22nd in the division, their lowest league position for more than two decades.[196]

Blackpool

Bruce was appointed head coach of EFL League One team Blackpool on 3 September 2024, replacing Neil Critchley.[197] Following a perfect start to his time in charge, winning his first four matches, he was named EFL League One Manager of the Month for September 2024.[198]

Life outside football

Personal life

Bruce has been married since February 1983 to Janet (née Smith),[199][200][201] who is also from the Hexham area, and went to the same school as Bruce.[7] The couple have two children, Alex (born 1984) and Amy (born 1987).[199] Alex also became a professional footballer, and was signed by his father for Hull City in July 2012.[202] He had previously played under his father's management at Birmingham City, but left the club in 2006, in part due to accusations of nepotism levelled at his father.[203] Amy was linked romantically with Aston Villa player Lee Hendrie in tabloid newspaper stories in 2004, which provoked an angry response from her father, who described the reports as "lies", and claimed that journalists had gone so far as to contact his doctor and examine his household waste in an attempt to uncover gossip.[204] In September 2004, Bruce was involved in an altercation outside his home with two men who were attempting to steal his daughter's car. The affray left him with facial injuries but did not prevent him from travelling to a Premier League match the same day.[205] After the incident one newspaper attempted to connect it with the allegations concerning Hendrie, leading Bruce to contemplate legal action.[204]

Other activities

Bruce's autobiography, Heading for Victory, was published in 1994. In 1999, while manager of Huddersfield, he wrote a trio of novels: Striker!, Sweeper! and Defender!. The books centred on fictional football manager Steve Barnes, based on Bruce, who solved murder mysteries and thwarted terrorists. Bruce later expressed his embarrassment at the books, which have become sought-after collectables.[206][207] He intended to publish a new autobiography in late 2019 but the book was postponed indefinitely due to the deaths of his parents and his desire to concentrate on his job at Newcastle.[208]

Playing statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Gillingham 1979–80[17] Third Division 40 6 0 0 4 2 — — 44 8
1980–81[209] Third Division 41 4 1 0 4 3 — — 46 7
1981–82[210] Third Division 45 6 5 1 2 0 — 3[a] 1 55 8
1982–83[211] Third Division 39 7 2 0 5 1 — — 46 8
1983–84[212] Third Division 40 6 6 1 0 0 — 0 0 46 7
Total 205 29 14 2 15 6 — 3 1 237 38
Norwich City 1984–85[213] First Division 39 1 5 1 9 3 — — 53 5
1985–86[214] Second Division 42 8 1 0 4 2 — 6[b] 0 53 10
1986–87[215] First Division 41 3 3 0 4 0 — 4[c] 0 52 3
1987–88[216] First Division 19 2 — 3 1 — — 22 3
Total 141 14 9 1 20 6 — 10 0 180 21
Manchester United 1987–88[44] First Division 21 2 3 0 — — — 24 2
1988–89[44] First Division 38 2 7 1 3 1 — 3[d] 1 51 5
1989–90[44] First Division 34 3 7 0 2 0 — — 43 3
1990–91[44] First Division 31 13 3 0 7 2 8[e] 4 1[f] 0 50 19
1991–92[44] First Division 37 5 1 0 7 1 5[g] 0 — 50 6
1992–93[44] Premier League 42 5 3 0 3 0 2[h] 0 — 50 5
1993–94[44] Premier League 41 3 7 0 9 2 4[i] 2 1[f] 0 62 7
1994–95[44] Premier League 35 2 5 2 1 0 6[i] 0 1[f] 0 48 4
1995–96[44] Premier League 30 1 5 0 2 0 2[h] 0 — 39 1
Total 309 36 41 3 34 6 27 6 6 1 417 52
Birmingham City 1996–97[217] First Division 32 0 3 1 4 0 — — 39 1
1997–98[218] First Division 40 2 3 0 2 0 — — 45 2
Total 72 2 6 1 6 0 — — 84 3
Sheffield United 1998–99[82] First Division 10 0 0 0 1 0 — — 11 0
Career total 737 81 70 7 76 18 27 6 19 2 929 114
  1. ^ Appearances in Football League Group Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in Football League Super Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in Full Members' Cup
  4. ^ Appearances in Football League Centenary Trophy
  5. ^ Appearances in European Cup Winners' Cup
  6. ^ a b c Appearance in FA Charity Shield
  7. ^ Four appearances in European Cup Winners' Cup, one in European Super Cup
  8. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Cup
  9. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Champions League

Managerial statistics

As of match played 28 October 2024
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
P W D L Win %
Sheffield United 2 July 1998 17 May 1999 55 22 15 18 040.0 [81]
Huddersfield Town 24 May 1999 16 October 2000 66 25 16 25 037.9 [81]
Wigan Athletic 4 April 2001 29 May 2001 8 3 2 3 037.5 [81]
Crystal Palace 31 May 2001 2 November 2001 18 11 2 5 061.1 [81]
Birmingham City 12 December 2001 23 November 2007 269 100 69 100 037.2 [137][219]
Wigan Athletic 26 November 2007 3 June 2009 68 23 17 28 033.8 [81]
Sunderland 3 June 2009 30 November 2011 98 29 28 41 029.6 [81]
Hull City 8 June 2012 22 July 2016 201 82 44 75 040.8 [81][151]
Aston Villa 12 October 2016 3 October 2018 102 46 25 31 045.1 [81]
Sheffield Wednesday 1 February 2019 15 July 2019 18 7 8 3 038.9 [81]
Newcastle United 17 July 2019 20 October 2021 97 28 28 41 028.9 [81]
West Bromwich Albion 3 February 2022 10 October 2022 32 8 12 12 025.0 [81]
Blackpool 3 September 2024 Present 10 4 2 4 040.0 [220]
Total 1,042 388 268 386 037.2

Honours

Player

Norwich City

Manchester United

Individual

Manager

Birmingham City

Hull City

Individual

References

Bibliography

  • Bateson, Bill; Sewell, Albert (1992). News of the World Football Annual 1992/93. Harper Collins. ISBN 0-85543-188-1.
  • Brown, Tony (2003). The Definitive Gillingham F.C.: A Complete Record. Soccerdata. ISBN 1-899468-20-X.
  • Bruce, Steve (1994). Heading for Victory: An Autobiography. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 0-7475-1780-0.
  • Eastwood, John; Davage, Mike (1986). Canary Citizens. Almeida Books. ISBN 0-7117-2020-7.
  • Ponting, Ivan (2000). Manchester United: The Red Army. Hamlyn. ISBN 0-600-60178-1.
  • Triggs, Roger (2001). The Men Who Made Gillingham Football Club. Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2243-X.

Footnotes

  1. ^ a b c "Steve Bruce". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
  2. ^ Sewell, Albert, ed. (1996). News of the World Football Annual 1996–97. Invincible Press. p. 401. ISBN 978-0-00-218737-4.
  3. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 33.
  4. ^ a b Parkes, Ian (23 February 2006). "Blues defender Bruce opts for green shirt of Ireland". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  5. ^ "Bruce in the middle". Evening Star. Ipswich. 4 September 2007. Archived from the original on 10 June 2008.
  6. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 34.
  7. ^ a b Bruce (1994), p. 38.
  8. ^ a b "Tyne Travellers: Part I". Manchester United F.C. 3 October 2006. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  9. ^ a b "Legends: Steve Bruce". Manchester United F.C. Archived from the original on 5 January 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  10. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 74.
  11. ^ Bruce (1994), pp. 39–40.
  12. ^ a b c d Parry, Haydn. "Past Players: Steve Bruce". Gillingham F.C. Archived from the original on 3 May 2007.
  13. ^ Barclay, Patrick (6 March 2004). "Adams and Bruce were Buster's premier pupils". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 18 November 2007.
  14. ^ a b c Triggs (2001), p. 70.
  15. ^ Bruce (1994), pp. 52–53.
  16. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 53.
  17. ^ a b Brown (2003), p. 89.
  18. ^ a b Bruce (1994), p. 57.
  19. ^ Triggs (2001), p. 352.
  20. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 60.
  21. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 62.
  22. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 65.
  23. ^ a b "Transfers: 1984/85". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  24. ^ "GFC Hall of Fame Winners". Gillingham F.C. 18 July 2009. Archived from the original on 2 December 2009.
  25. ^ Mossop, James (2 December 2007). "Steve Bruce helps Wigan Athletic stop the rot". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  26. ^ Clarkson, Ian (19 October 2003). "I want my Blues to be a working class act". Sunday Mercury. Birmingham. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  27. ^ a b "Norwich win the League Cup, 1985 – Caught in time". The Sunday Times. London. 28 September 2003. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  28. ^ a b Miller, David (8 May 2005). "Ashton the only difference for anxious Norwich". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2008.
  29. ^ a b "Player of the Season 1967–2007". Norwich City F.C. 25 January 2008. Archived from the original on 9 January 2008.
  30. ^ a b Bateson, Bill; Sewell, Albert (1986). News of the World Football Annual 1986/1987. Harper Collins. p. 281. ISBN 0-85543-076-1.
  31. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 85.
  32. ^ "History – 1986–1995". Norwich City F.C. 15 May 2007. Archived from the original on 9 January 2008.
  33. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 88.
  34. ^ Hayes, Alex (16 March 2003). "Football: Upson's choice puts the down days in the past". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2007. Steve Bruce showed that you can be one of the best defenders of your generation and yet never play for your country.
  35. ^ "Football: Steve Bruce's Path to Top". Sunday Mirror. London. 5 September 2004. Retrieved 4 September 2008. From there he moved to Norwich City before making the move to Manchester United that established him as the best uncapped English defender of his generation.
  36. ^ Robson, Bryan (2007). Robbo: My Autobiography. Hodder & Stoughton. p. 118. ISBN 978-0-340-83957-7. There's no doubt he was one of the best English players not to be capped by his country
  37. ^ a b Malley, Frank (1993). Champions: The Story of Manchester United's Winning Season. Simon & Schuster. p. 131. ISBN 0-671-85264-7.
  38. ^ "Football: Bruce offer rejected". The Times. London. 9 December 1987. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  39. ^ "Football: Bruce deal is not dead". The Times. London. 11 December 1987.
  40. ^ a b Ross, Ian (18 December 1987). "Football: Bruce deal agreed after late hitch". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  41. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 93.
  42. ^ Ross, Ian (15 December 1987). "Football: Transfer shelved yet again". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  43. ^ "Norwich City Hall of Fame". Eastern Daily Press. Norwich. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
  44. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Steve Bruce". StretfordEnd.co.uk. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  45. ^ "Season 1987/88". StretfordEnd.co.uk. Retrieved 8 September 2008.
  46. ^ "United in the League". StretfordEnd.co.uk. Retrieved 12 September 2008.
  47. ^ "Manchester United 1988–1989: Table: Final Table". Statto Organisation. Archived from the original on 7 January 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  48. ^ Ponting (2000), p. 193.
  49. ^ Neville, Gary (23 March 2006). "If we sign another right back, he had better be good". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 27 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  50. ^ Pallister, Gary. "Players and Staff: Legends". Manchester United F.C. Archived from the original on 11 February 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  51. ^ "Classic Cup Finals: 1990". The Football Association. Archived from the original on 16 August 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2008.
  52. ^ Bateson, Bill; Sewell, Albert (1990). News of the World Football Annual 1990–91. Invincible Press. p. 129. ISBN 0-85543-207-1.
  53. ^ a b "Season 1990/91". StretfordEnd.co.uk. Retrieved 9 September 2008.
  54. ^ a b Jones, Stuart (16 May 1991). "Hughes provides the spark – Football". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  55. ^ Jones, Stuart (22 April 1991). "Sheridan strike wreaks havoc on sickly rivals – Football". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  56. ^ a b c Jones, Stuart (24 January 1992). "Bruce resolves to make a swift recovery – Football". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  57. ^ Bateson and Sewell (1992), pp. 54, 309–311.
  58. ^ Jones, Stuart (13 April 1992). "McClair sets up bid for double – Football". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  59. ^ Bateson and Sewell (1992), p. 91.
  60. ^ Hytner, David (15 April 2008). "Football: Chelsea's title hopes wrecked by Heskey: Chelsea 1 Wigan Athletic 1 Essien 55 Heskey 90". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  61. ^ Hughes, Rob (4 May 1993). "Old Trafford stands united in celebration – Football". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  62. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 89.
  63. ^ Hughes, Rob (16 May 1994). "United worthy of place among elite – FA Cup". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  64. ^ The other 20th-century Double-winning captains were Dave Mackay and Alan Hansen, both from Scotland, and Danny Blanchflower from Northern Ireland.
  65. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 1.
  66. ^ Hughes, Rob (22 May 1995). "Everton's Royle revival crowned by Rideout – Football". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  67. ^ Harrison, David (16 November 1997). "Gissa job, says Bruce – Football". News of the World. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  68. ^ "Season 1995/96". Premier League. Archived from the original on 30 October 2011.
  69. ^ Rich, Tim (19 May 2004). "Keane's lack of practice fails to worry". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  70. ^ Montgomery, Alex (12 May 1996). "Man U-fique! – It's Doubly bubbly for king Eric". News of the World. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  71. ^ a b Ball, Peter (23 May 1996). "United's route to Champions' League made easy – Football". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  72. ^ Southon, Hugh (18 August 1996). "Trev-ing up for glory!". Sunday Mirror. London. Retrieved 21 November 2007.
  73. ^ Nisse, Jason (19 February 1997). "Options for boss of Birmingham City". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  74. ^ "Blue revolt". Sunday Mirror. London. 24 November 1996. Retrieved 21 November 2007.
  75. ^ Tooher, Patrick (26 February 1997). "Market report: Hello Dolly as biotechs dance back into the spotlight". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2007.
  76. ^ Hobson, Richard (1 March 1997). "Francis sees stock tumble among supporters". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  77. ^ "Robbo in for Bruce". Daily Mirror. London. 22 August 1997. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  78. ^ Rostron, Phil (16 November 1997). "Campbell's kingdom". Sunday Mirror. London. Retrieved 26 November 2007.
  79. ^ Southon, Hugh (23 November 1997). "Bruce set to boss Blues!". Sunday Mirror. London. Retrieved 26 November 2007.
  80. ^ Nixon, Alan (26 June 1998). "United move to keep Kidd from Everton". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2007.
  81. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Managers: Steve Bruce". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
  82. ^ a b "Games played by Steve Bruce in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  83. ^ a b c d e Ponting (2000), p. 177.
  84. ^ Marshall, Adam (2 October 2007). "The XI at 11: Goalscoring centre backs". Setanta Sports. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016.
  85. ^ Hughes, Rob (23 November 1994). "Cantona key to United's ignition – Football". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  86. ^ Whalley, Mike (22 September 2007). "Vidic succeeds as king Bruce". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  87. ^ Mackey, Liam (10 September 2008). "Masked ball for 50 in-a-row 'Killer'". Irish Examiner. Cork. Retrieved 5 January 2016. But Steve Bruce – I think he played with 20 broken bones!
  88. ^ "Fergie compares captain Rooney to greats". FIFA. 11 December 2007. Archived from the original on 7 January 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  89. ^ "England 1998/99". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. 20 December 1999. Retrieved 6 September 2008.
  90. ^ Kempson, Russell (15 February 1999). "'The goal was an accident. I am sorry' – Football". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  91. ^ Barlow, Matt (23 February 1999). "Fifa Green Light Clears Blades For Rematch". Birmingham Post. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  92. ^ Nixon, Alan (30 May 2001). "Football: Bruce walks out of Wigan for Palace". The Independent. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  93. ^ McNally, Brian (5 December 1999). "Football: Bruce out on the town: Steve has high hopes at Huddersfield". Sunday Mirror. London.
  94. ^ Irvine, Christopher (27 November 1999). "Grey days serve to inspire Bruce – Football Saturday". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  95. ^ Szczepanik, Nick (8 May 2000). "Bruce reflects after Fulham give taste of things to come – Football". The Times. London. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  96. ^ "Bruce sacked by Huddersfield". BBC Sport. 16 October 2000. Retrieved 18 November 2007.
  97. ^ "Bruce accused of 'wasting' £3m". BBC Sport. 6 March 2001. Retrieved 28 February 2008.
  98. ^ "QPR suffer Bruce snub". BBC Sport. 21 February 2001. Retrieved 28 February 2008.
  99. ^ "Wigan appoint Bruce". BBC Sport. 4 April 2001. Retrieved 18 November 2007.
  100. ^ "Whelan hits out at Bruce departure". BBC Sport. 31 May 2001. Retrieved 28 February 2008.
  101. ^ "Bruce takes up Palace post". BBC Sport. 31 May 2001. Retrieved 18 November 2007.
  102. ^ a b "A man in a hurry". BBC Sport. 2 November 2001. Retrieved 29 February 2008.
  103. ^ "Birmingham unveil Bruce". BBC Sport. 12 December 2001. Retrieved 18 November 2007.
  104. ^ "Bruce eyes promotion". BBC Sport. 12 December 2001. Retrieved 28 February 2008.
  105. ^ "Former Blues: Jeff Kenna". Birmingham City F.C. Archived from the original on 15 May 2009.
  106. ^ "Bruce feels true Blue". BBC Sport. 8 May 2002. Retrieved 8 September 2008.
  107. ^ Fifield, Dominic (13 May 2002). "Birmingham spot on to deny the Canaries". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  108. ^ Johnson, Dale (9 August 2003). "Birmingham Season Guide". ESPN FC. Retrieved 8 September 2008.
  109. ^ "Taylor hunts European spot". BBC Sport. 12 July 2004. Retrieved 8 September 2008.
  110. ^ Rich, Tim (30 June 2004). "Football: Newcastle set to sign Milner as Bruce opts to stay at City". The Independent. London.
  111. ^ Stewart, Rob (3 September 2004). "Bruce the target as Venables 'shunned'". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  112. ^ Burt, Jason (31 August 2004). "Newcastle scramble to find Robson replacement". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  113. ^ McNulty, Phil (17 May 2005). "Premiership review season 2004/5". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 September 2008.
  114. ^ "Newcastle sack Souness". The Guardian. London. 2 February 2006. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  115. ^ "Roeder named as Newcastle manager". BBC Sport. 16 May 2006. Retrieved 5 September 2008.
  116. ^ "Birmingham 0–7 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 21 March 2006. Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  117. ^ "Bruce vows to carry on as manager". BBC Sport. 22 March 2006. Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  118. ^ "Birmingham 1–0 Bolton". BBC Sport. 4 April 2006. Retrieved 8 September 2008.
  119. ^ "Birmingham and Baggies relegated". BBC Sport. 29 April 2006. Retrieved 6 September 2008.
  120. ^ "Birmingham issue finance warning". BBC Sport. 23 May 2007. Retrieved 8 September 2008.
  121. ^ Tattum, Colin (11 April 2008). "David Gold: I've lost a friend in Steve Bruce". Birmingham Post. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  122. ^ Tattum, Colin (17 October 2006). "Blues 0 Norwich 1". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  123. ^ Reynolds, Lee (18 October 2006). "Birmingham 0–1 Norwich". Daily Mirror. London. Archived from the original on 15 June 2009. Retrieved 5 September 2008.
  124. ^ Baker, Mike (23 October 2006). "Bruce wins the latest battle in Birmingham's uncivil war". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  125. ^ Instone, David (27 November 2006). "Burnley 1 Birmingham City 2: Bendtner's guile brings best out of Birmingham". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2008.
  126. ^ "Birmingham City 2006–2007: Results". Statto Organisation. Archived from the original on 7 January 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  127. ^ "Birmingham & Sunderland promoted". BBC Sport. 29 April 2007. Retrieved 4 September 2008.
  128. ^ "Bruce fears for Birmingham future". BBC Sport. 4 October 2007. Retrieved 16 November 2007.
  129. ^ "Steve Bruce emerges as Bolton Wanderers target". The Times. London. 18 October 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  130. ^ "Yeung moves to calm Bruce fears". BBC Sport. 29 October 2007. Retrieved 16 November 2007.
  131. ^ Hunter, James (26 October 2009). "Steve Bruce blasts back at Karen Brady". Evening Chronicle. Newcastle upon Tyne. Archived from the original on 18 April 2012.
  132. ^ James, Stuart (14 November 2007). "Birmingham in a flux as Bruce heads for Wigan". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  133. ^ "Bruce set to join Wigan Athletic". BBC Sport. 18 November 2007. Retrieved 18 November 2007.
  134. ^ "Bruce leaves Birmingham for Wigan". BBC Sport. 19 November 2007. Retrieved 19 November 2007.
  135. ^ "Bruce's Wigan move hit by hold-up". BBC Sport. 21 November 2007. Retrieved 21 November 2007.
  136. ^ Hunter, Andy; James, Stuart (21 November 2007). "Bruce's move to Wigan held up over image-rights dispute". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  137. ^ a b "Bruce confirmed as Wigan manager". BBC Sport. 23 November 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  138. ^ MacKay, Duncan (2 December 2007). "Bruce is buoyed by Wigan's fightback". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  139. ^ Lacey, David (5 May 2008). "Bruce kisses his own feat in guiding Wigan to safety". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  140. ^ "Wigan Athletic 2007–2008: Results". Statto Organisation. Archived from the original on 7 January 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  141. ^ "Bruce back in race for hotseat". Lancashire Evening Post. Preston. 26 September 2008. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  142. ^ "Wigan Athletic 2008–2009: Results". Statto Organisation. Archived from the original on 7 January 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  143. ^ "Tottenham tie up Wilson Palacios deal; Steve Bruce bemoans loss of "right arm"". Daily Mirror. London. 16 January 2009. Archived from the original on 25 June 2009. Retrieved 27 May 2009.
  144. ^ "Bruce cleared to meet Sunderland". BBC Sport. 27 May 2009. Retrieved 27 May 2009.
  145. ^ "Bruce named as Sunderland manager". BBC Sport. 3 June 2009. Retrieved 3 June 2009.
  146. ^ "Sunderland confirm appointment of Steve Bruce as manager". The Times. London. 3 June 2009. Archived from the original on 27 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  147. ^ "Sunderland review". Sky Sports. 13 May 2010. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
  148. ^ a b Taylor, Louise (25 February 2011). "Steve Bruce commits to Sunderland with new deal to 2014". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  149. ^ "Black Cats sack Bruce". Sky Sports. 30 November 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
  150. ^ "Steve Bruce blames 'hatred' for Sunderland dismissal". ESPN FC. 5 April 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  151. ^ a b "Steve Bruce appointed Hull City manager on three-year deal". BBC Sport. 8 June 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
  152. ^ "Hull City promoted: Steve Bruce says players deserve success". BBC Sport. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  153. ^ Darling, Kevin (11 May 2014). "Hull 0–2 Everton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  154. ^ "Hull City 5–3 Sheffield United". BBC Sport. 13 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  155. ^ a b "Arsenal 3–2 Hull City". BBC Sport. 17 May 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  156. ^ Edwards, Luke (15 August 2014). "Hull City Premier League season 2014/15 guide". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  157. ^ "Steve Bruce confirms signing new three-year deal with Hull City". BBC Sport. 13 March 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  158. ^ McMath, James (22 May 2015). "Relegation battle: Can Hull repeat escape at Newcastle's expense?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  159. ^ "Steve Bruce: Hull manager admits his side 'were not good enough'". BBC Sport. 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  160. ^ Crellin, Mark (5 February 2016). "Hull's Steve Bruce and Abel Hernandez land January's Sky Bet Championship awards". Sky Sports. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  161. ^ a b "Hull City promoted: Steve Bruce will take time to consider future as manager". BBC Sport. 28 May 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  162. ^ "Steve Bruce: Hull boss holds England manager talks". BBC Sport. 19 July 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  163. ^ "Steve Bruce: Hull City manager leaves newly promoted club". BBC Sport. 22 July 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
  164. ^ "Bruce leaves Hull City by mutual consent". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  165. ^ "Aston Villa: Steve Bruce appointed manager of Championship club". BBC Sport. 12 October 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  166. ^ "Reading 1–2 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. 19 October 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2016.
  167. ^ "Aston Villa name Stephen Clemence as first-team coach as trio exit". Sky Sports. 13 October 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  168. ^ "Colin Calderwood: Aston Villa announce ex-Brighton coach as assistant manager". BBC Sport. 21 November 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  169. ^ "Aston Villa 0–0 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  170. ^ "Aston Villa 0–1 Fulham". BBC Sport. 26 May 2018. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
  171. ^ "Aston Villa 3–3 Preston: Steve Bruce confirms fan threw cabbage". BBC Sport. 2 October 2018. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  172. ^ "Steve Bruce sacked by Aston Villa". Sky Sports. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  173. ^ "Steve Bruce: Sheffield Wednesday appoint new manager". BBC Sport. 2 January 2019. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  174. ^ de Menezes, Jack (28 January 2019). "BBC pundits Danny Murphy and Ruud Gullit criticise Steve Bruce for taking break despite recent death of both parents, prompting anger from son". The Independent. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  175. ^ Edwards, Luke (29 January 2019). "Steve Bruce defends decision to delay start as Sheffield Wednesday manager for Barbados holiday". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  176. ^ Stone, Simon (15 July 2019). "Steve Bruce: Sheffield Wednesday boss resigns amid Newcastle United interest". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  177. ^ "Steve Bruce: Newcastle United hold talks with Sheffield Wednesday manager". BBC Sport. 13 July 2019. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  178. ^ "Newcastle appoint Steve Bruce as manager to succeed Rafael Benítez". The Guardian. 17 July 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
  179. ^ Luke Edwards (17 July 2019). "Sheffield Wednesday respond angrily to Steve Bruce's confirmation as new Newcastle head coach". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  180. ^ "Sheffield Wednesday report Newcastle to Premier League over Steve Bruce appointment". The Telegraph. 22 July 2019. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  181. ^ "Steve Bruce contract details leaked to Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday believe". Sky Sports. 24 July 2019. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
  182. ^ Luke Edwards (21 July 2019). "Newcastle confident they have no legal case to answer in appointment of Steve Bruce". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  183. ^ "Jonjo Shelvey pleads with Newcastle fans after controversial Steve Bruce appointment". Daily Express. 21 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  184. ^ Luke Edwards (19 July 2019). "Steve Bruce hits back at suggestions he will be Mike Ashley's Newcastle puppet: 'I will have the final say on transfers'". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  185. ^ Dan Sansom (6 August 2019). "Newcastle boss Steve Bruce says Rafa Benitez will be difficult to follow". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  186. ^ "Premier League ins and outs: The 2019 summer transfer window moves". Sky Sports. 9 August 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  187. ^ Lyall Thomas (18 July 2019). "Newcastle sign Joelinton from Hoffenheim in £40m club-record deal". Sky Sports. Retrieved 24 July 2019.
  188. ^ "Newcastle break club record to sign £21m Miguel Almirón from Atlanta". The Guardian. 31 January 2019. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
  189. ^ "Premier League 2019-20 review: our predictions versus reality". The Guardian. 28 July 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  190. ^ Bradshaw, Joe (23 May 2021). "Fulham 0–2 Newcastle United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  191. ^ "Newcastle United Q&A: who is taking over and why are they controversial?". The Guardian. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  192. ^ "Steve Bruce to take charge of Newcastle vs Tottenham to mark 1,000th game as a manager". Sky Sports. 16 October 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  193. ^ "'A rapturous reception - but Newcastle owners given stark reminder of task ahead'". BBC Sport. 17 October 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  194. ^ a b "Steve Bruce leaves Newcastle by mutual consent after Saudi takeover". BBC Sport. 20 October 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  195. ^ "Steve Bruce: West Brom appoint ex-Newcastle boss as manager on 18-month deal". BBC Sport. 3 February 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  196. ^ "Steve Bruce: West Bromwich Albion part company with veteran Baggies manager". BBC Sport. 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  197. ^ "Steve Bruce Appointed As Head Coach". www.blackpoolfc.co.uk. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  198. ^ a b "Sky Bet League One Manager & Player of the Month September winners". www.efl.com. 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  199. ^ a b Millar, Steve (6 May 2007). "Fan's stick made Bruce a pig". Daily Express. London. Archived from the original on 30 June 2009.
  200. ^ Curtis, John (24 February 2003). "Morrison seals it for Brummies". Irish Examiner. Cork. Archived from the original on 21 August 2003. ...it's a nice way for me to celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary
  201. ^ Bruce (1994), p. 66.
  202. ^ "Hull City bring in defender Alex Bruce". BBC Sport. 30 July 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  203. ^ "Bruce Jnr heads for fresh fields". Birmingham Post. 3 August 2006. Retrieved 11 September 2008.
  204. ^ a b Tattum, Colin (16 October 2004). "Bruce in rage over "lies"". Birmingham Evening Mail. Archived from the original on 3 May 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2016 – via Highbeam Research.
  205. ^ Gardner, Andy (26 September 2004). "Steve Bruise". Sunday Mirror. London. Retrieved 27 September 2007.
  206. ^ McCauley, Ciaran (5 November 2016). "Steve Bruce: Inside the literary career of Aston Villa's manager". BBC News. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  207. ^ "Steve Bruce still cringes at his 'laughing stock' novels". Eurosport. 22 November 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  208. ^ McCormick, Sean (25 November 2019). "Steve Bruce shelves plans to release an autobiography in order to concentrate on Newcastle job". Evening Chronicle. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  209. ^ Brown (2003), p. 90.
  210. ^ Brown (2003), p. 91.
  211. ^ Brown (2003), p. 92.
  212. ^ Brown (2003), p. 93.
  213. ^ Eastwood and Davage (1986), p. 313.
  214. ^ Eastwood and Davage (1986), p. 314.
  215. ^ Dunk, Peter (1987). Rothmans Football Yearbook 1987–88. Queen Anne Press. pp. 260–261, 452, 454–456, 459–460, 485–486, 488. ISBN 0-356-14354-6.
  216. ^ Rollin, Jack (1988). Rothmans Football Yearbook 1988–89. Queen Anne Press. pp. 258–259, 448, 452–453. ISBN 0-356-15880-2.
  217. ^ "Games played by Steve Bruce in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  218. ^ "Games played by Steve Bruce in 1997/1998". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  219. ^ Steve Bruce at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)
  220. ^ "Blackpool appoint Bruce as head coach". BBC Sport. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  221. ^ "Steve Bruce: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  222. ^ Ducker, James (20 May 2016). "Manchester United's 1990 FA Cup winners: How we saved Sir Alex Ferguson's job". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  223. ^ a b c d e f "Steve Bruce". Eurosport. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  224. ^ Ross, James (15 August 2013). "England – List of FA Charity/Community Shield Matches". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  225. ^ Davies, Christopher (15 April 2003). "The Premiership elite selection 1993–2003". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
  226. ^ Lynch, Tony (1995). The Official P.F.A. Footballers Heroes. London: Random House. pp. 145–146. ISBN 978-0-09-179135-3.
  227. ^ "1981-82 Player Of The Year Awards". gillinghamfcscrapbook.co.uk. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  228. ^ "Birmingham City Player of the Year 1969-2021". My Football Facts. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  229. ^ "Birmingham City chief Peter Pannu dismisses takeover 'rumour'". BBC Sport. 2 October 2013. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  230. ^ "Birmingham reach Premiership". BBC Sport. 12 May 2002. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  231. ^ Lovejoy, Joe (4 May 2013). "Hull's Steve Bruce wins promotion but is made to wait on day of drama". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  232. ^ "Bruce claims April's Barclays Manager of the Month award". Premier League. 14 May 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Steve Bruce.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Steve_Bruce&oldid=1253987505"