Former Birmingham City, Hull and Wigan boss ‘in talks’ for job - could manage Aston Villa star

Former Aston Villa and Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce has held talks about a return to football management.

According to the Daily Mail, Bruce has been speaking to the Jamaica FA about becoming their manager. The Reggae Boys are without a manager since Heimir Hallgrimsson left to take charge of the Republic of Ireland.

A decision is expected to be made over the next 10 days. Bruce is being regarded as a ‘serious contender’ according to the Mail’s sources. 

The 63-year-old has been out of work since he was sacked as West Brom manager in October 2022. He had an eight-month spell at the Hawthorns but was relieved with the Baggies 22nd in the Championship, their lowest league position in more than 20 years. 

In May, the former Manchester United defender spoke of his desire to get back into football. He was open to taking up a job in the dugout or as part of a club or country’s football set-up.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "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 and do something."

If Bruce were to take over, he'd be inheriting a team that went out at the group stage of the Copa America after losing to Mexico, Ecuador and Venezuela. They begin their Concacaf Nations League campaign against Cuba in September and are second in their World Cup qualifying campaign with games against the British Virgin Islands and Guatemala to come. 

Jamaica have several Premier League and Championship players to choose from. Bobby Decordova-Reid has 33 caps, whilst Michael Antonio, Amari'i Bell, Ethan Pinnock and Casey Palmer are also options. 

Aston Villa star Leon Bailey though is unavailable after being suspended by the JFF (Jamaica Football Federation). He was called up to their 2024 Copa America squad but opted not to join up with the squad.