Former Newcastle boss Steve Bruce lands new job two years after last post
Steve Bruce
PA
Steve Bruce has been hired as the new Blackpool manager in his first job in two years.
The 63-year-old was sacked by West Brom in October 2022 after nine months in charge and has not been in work since.
But that has all changed on Tuesday with League One outfit Blackpool penning him as their latest coach.
Former Liverpool academy coach Neil Critchley was sacked on August 21 after two defeats in a row in the league.
Steve Bruce has found himself a new job
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Steve Agnew has also joined the Tangerines as Bruce's assistant, having been with him throughout his coaching career.
Richard Keogh, Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks will also move to Bloomfield Road as coaches.
It is Bruce's 13th job in management while the veteran coach is one of a handful of managers to have overseen more than 1,000 competitive matches for league clubs.
On his CV include Premier League jobs with Newcastle, Aston Villa and Birmingham, as well as working for clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland and Wigan.
Blackpool announced Bruce's arrival just moments after they beat Crewe 4-1 in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.
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“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.”
Steve Bruce has coached over 1,000 matches as a manager
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Blackpool owner Simon Sadler made his own statement, saying: "I'm confident that Steve’s experience and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset for Blackpool.
"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.
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Steve Bruce has not managed since his nine-month spell at West Brom
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"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.”
Bruce has some time before his first game in charge with Blackpool facing Exeter next on September 14.