Former Birmingham City, Aston Villa and West Brom boss axed by EFL side
The former Birmingham City, Aston Villa and West Brom man will now need to weigh up his options in the game
Former Birmingham City, Aston Villa and West Brom boss Steve Bruce has been sacked by Blackpool. The Seasiders have made a slow start to the new League One season. They have now decided to part company with the 64-year-old along with his coaching staff members Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence.
Their official club statement reads: “Blackpool Football Club can announce the departure of Head Coach Steve Bruce, Assistant Head Coach Steve Agnew and First-Team Coach Stephen Clemence. The Club would like to thank them for their efforts, and wishes them the very best for the future. Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks will take charge of first-team matters until a permanent appointment is confirmed.”
Steve Bruce axed by Blackpool
Blackpool turned to Bruce in September after he took a couple of years out of the game. He has since won 34.4% of matches with the third tier outfit. They have been in poor form though and are sat in 23rd place in the table after their first 11 games.
The Tangerines have won only twice in this campaign and are inside the drop zone along with Burton Albion, Rotherham United and Peterborough United. They are one point from safety after their 2-0 loss against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday. Next up is a tricky away trip to Edgeley Park as they consider potential replacements for Bruce in the meantime.
After taking the top job at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool owner Simon Sadler said: "I'm confident that Steve’s experience and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset for Blackpool Football Club. His organised approach coupled with his desire to build a hardworking and entertaining side is a large part of what attracted us to him.
“Additionally, Steve’s ability to help grow and develop not only our playing staff but also our coaching talent was important to us. Alongside his assistant Steve Agnew, there is a great opportunity for two of our former-players at the early stages of their coaching careers to learn from a duo who possess unrivalled qualities. We hope that this blend will get the very best out of our talented squad.”
Steve Bruce’s lengthy career to date
Birmingham turned to Bruce back in 2001 and he spent six years there. Prior to his move to the Midlands, the ex-Manchester United defender had spells at Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic and Crystal Palace. He guided the Blues to two promotions to the top flight.
Aston Villa came calling for him in 2016 and he had two years at Villa Park. They reached the play-off final in 2018 but lost at Wembley to Fulham. He was then sacked and later moved on to Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United.
Bruce secured a switch to West Brom in February 2022 whilst they were in the Championship. The Baggies picked him as their replacement for Valerien Ismael. He lasted only eight months at The Hawthorns though and won eight of his 32 matches at the helm.
His most successful spell as a manager was at Hull City. He got the Tigers up twice to the top flight. In addition, they reached the FA Cup final for the first time in their history under his guidance too.