Reports that Steve Bruce is set to retire from management are wide of the mark according to a reporter close to the former Toon boss. It was reported yesterday that the 62-year-old was ready to step away from management after a 25-year career, but Bruce has said he will still be on the lookout for any potential opportunities in the future.
A tweet from Daily Telegraph reporter, Luke Edwards said:
“Steve Bruce has not retired. He also knows he might not work again as a manager and is prepared for that. I’ve spoken to him.
“He’s taking a break but will listen to job offers if and when they come. This would not be the first time he has hinted at retirement and not retired.”
Steve Bruce has not retired. He also knows he might not work again as manager and is prepared for that. I’ve spoken to him. He’s taking a break but will listen to job offers if and when they come. This would not be the first time he has hinted at retirement and not retired.
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) January 10, 2023
Bruce has been a journeyman in the management game since taking his first job as boss of Sheffield United in 1998, going on to manage 11 different clubs across the Premier League and Football League. His latest position was brought to an end last year when West Brom relieved the former Man Utd captain of his duties after a dire start to the campaign that left the Baggies firmly in the Championship relegation zone.
Before his shock appointment at West Brom, Bruce was, of course, the final manager to work under Newcastle’s hated owner, Mike Ashley. Bruce endured a torrid time at St James’, with his archaic tactics and style of play angering the Toon fans, and dragging the club to the basement of the Premier League in the first half of last season.
Since then, the Magpies have gone through an extraordinary transformation under new ownership and new boss, Eddie Howe, but those dark and dreary days throughout Bruce’s tenure are still fresh in the memory and serve as a reminder of just how far the club has come.
A boyhood Newcastle supporter as a youngster, Bruce’s dream job at his hometown club quickly turned into a nightmare for both himself and the fans.
Bruce has had a knack for somehow talking his way into management jobs throughout his career, so don’t be surprised to see him back in the dugout of some unfortunate English club in the not-so-distant future.