Veteran boss Steve Bruce is back in the dugout, taking the reins at League One side Blackpool on a two-year deal.
The 63-year-old, who’s been kicking his heels since getting the boot from West Brom in October 2022, now has the task of turning around the Seasiders’ shaky start to the season.
Bruce, a seasoned pro with over 1,000 matches under his belt, has managed some of the biggest names in English football, including Birmingham City, Hull City, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United. Now, he’s been called in to steady the ship at Bloomfield Road after Neil Critchley was shown the door on 21 August, following two woeful defeats at the start of the campaign.
Last season, Blackpool just missed out on a play-off spot, finishing a frustrating eighth. But this season, they’ve only managed to scrape together two points from their first four games. The Seasiders’ faithful will be hoping Bruce’s experience can push their promotion back on track.
Joining Bruce at Blackpool are his trusty sidekicks, Steve Agnew, and a coaching team including Richard Keogh, Stephen Dobbie, and Steve Banks.
“I’m delighted to be back in football and to take charge of this fantastic football club,” Bruce told the club website. “I’d like to thank Simon, Julian and David for giving me this great opportunity. I look forward to meeting all of the staff and players in the coming days as we prepare for what we all hope will be an exciting season at Bloomfield Road.”
Simon Sadler, Blackpool’s owner, gave the reasoning behind his decision to appoint Bruce.
“I’m confident that Steve’s experience and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset for Blackpool Football Club,” he told the club media. “His organised approach coupled with his desire to build a hard working and entertaining side is a large part of what attracted us to him.”
Bruce, in his 13th managerial role stretching back 26 years, will now have eleven days on the training pitch, as his side’s game against Huddersfield, one of his former clubs, has been postponed due to international call-ups. The next opponent is Exeter City a week on Saturday.
As he’s been around a bit, plenty of supporters of opposition clubs have voiced their opinion on Bruce’s return, and it isn’t the glowing reference you might expect for a big name like him, as you’ll see below.
I am really, really sorry for what you’re about to go through.
— Murph (@NUFCMurph) September 3, 2024
I am really, really sorry for what you’re about to go through.
— Murph (@NUFCMurph) September 3, 2024
It won’t be pretty and it won’t end well.
Really arrogant bloke that doesn’t even let people finish their sentences before butting in.
— Richie Southern (@RichySouthern) September 3, 2024
Good luck lads. You’re gonna need it🤝🏻
— The Baggies Bible (@TheBaggiesBible) September 3, 2024
Thoughts and prayers, lads.
— Geordie Josh (@geordiejosh) September 3, 2024
Damn we stole grimshaw off them now they have this guy league two for Blackpool
— Bradderz (@pafc_brad) September 3, 2024
The three stooges back at it again. Condolences Blackpool fans. 🍊
— EverythingNUFC (@Nufc2Everything) September 3, 2024
I know you like Donkeys but come on and wake up. The man is a fraud who’ll be looking for his latest payoff.
— Magpie 24/7 (@Magpie24_7) September 3, 2024
