Birmingham City-Linked Manager Makes Admission

Former Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce has admitted he would like to return to management amid speculation linking him with a return to the club.

The 63-year-old has been out of work since late 2022 when he was dismissed by West Bromwich Albion. Prior to that, Bruce had had a long career in management spanning 24 years. He has taken charge of over 1000 games and enjoyed stints at the likes of Aston Villa, Hull City and Sheffield United.

His longest and most successful spell came at Birmingham between 2001 and 2007, where he twice earned promotion to the Premier League. Interestingly, it was claimed earlier this week that the former defender would be interested in a dramatic return to St Andrew’s.

The Blues currently find themselves in a spot of turmoil. They have endured a horrific campaign which saw no fewer than four managers come and go. Gary Rowett was handed the task of attempting to steer the West Midlanders to safety after current boss Tony Mowbray was forced to take a leave of absence on medical grounds.

With relegation to League One confirmed, it is still unclear as to whether the 60-year-old will return. This has prompted speculation that Birmingham are drawing up a list of potential replacements, which is thought to include the recently departed Hull boss Liam Rosenior.

Bruce is said to be interested in the role though and has reportedly informed the club that he would like to be considered. Regardless, he is keen to return to management. Speaking to talkSPORThe said:

“For a long, long time, I thought this is just what I needed. I never really had a break.

“Unfortunately, now I think I am getting under my good lady’s feet!

“And I am looking to try and do something, whether that is back in management or go back to work in some sort of capacity, I am not quite too sure.

“But we will see, we’ll see if the phone rings over the summer. But certainly I’d like to try do something.”

Bruce oversaw 263 games during his first tenure at the club, achieving a win rate of 38%.

Writer’s View

Steve Bruce may have to drop down to League One to revitalise his career and where better than the club in which he first tasted success? Birmingham will be desperate to return to the Championship at the first time of asking, but they will soon find out that the third tier is a very tough league.

Obviously, the preference is that Tony Mowbray will return to the fold. The ex-Sunderland boss is the right person to lead the team forward, especially as he looked to be heading in the right direction before he was forced to take leave. However, a seasoned head such as Bruce may be the next best thing if they are forced to make a change.

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