Blackpool owner Simon Sadler has said Steve Bruce’s “desire to build a hard-working and entertaining side” led to the League One club handing the 63-year-old his first managerial role for almost two years.
Bruce, whose sides were in the relegation zone when he left each of his last two jobs at Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion, succeeds Neil Critchley, who was sacked on August 21 after starting the season with successive league defeats.
“I’m confident that Steve’s experience and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset,” said Sadler.
🗣️ “I’ve come here to try and take the Club and it’s supporters where they want to get back to. Hopefully, we can give them something to shout about.”
The first words from our new Head Coach, Steve Bruce.
🍊 #UTMP pic.twitter.com/Q1cxt4AhWg
— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) September 3, 2024
“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 called Blackpool “fantastic” and thanked the club’s ownership 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,” he added.
Steve Bruce stats
Former Manchester United defender Bruce is taking charge of his 12th club in a managerial career that has often crossed rivalries.
The veteran’s former employers have included Birmingham City and Aston Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle and Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.
Onto the next chapter… 💪
🍊 #UTMP pic.twitter.com/kZgxhPcA8c
— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) September 3, 2024
Bruce won promotion to the Premier League twice each with Hull and Birmingham but also oversaw relegations with both clubs.
Hugely experienced in the top flight, he guided Newcastle to successive mid-table finishes in the division but was sacked in October 2021 shortly after the club’s current Saudi-based consortium took over, having been criticised by many fans and pundits for the Magpies’ style of play.
Steve Bruce: Blackpool fixtures
A Premier League side in 2010-11, Blackpool are third-bottom of the third tier after four games, drawing twice while scoring six times in the league under interim manager Richard Keogh.
They have fared better in cup competitions, thrashing Burton Albion 4-0 away and securing a surprise 2-1 win at second-tier Blackburn Rovers to set up a home tie with Wednesday in the third round of the EFL Cup.
Keogh signed off his temporary spell in charge with a 4-1 home win over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday.
Bruce will take charge for the first time when 10th-placed Exeter City visit Blackpool on September 14 (15:00 BST).
