'Too good to turn down:' Steve Bruce's first words as Blackpool head coach - as ex-Wigan Athletic and Birmingham City man joins Seasiders
Steve Bruce has shared his excitement following his return to football as Blackpool’s new head coach.
The 63-year-old makes the move to Bloomfield Road on a two-year deal, and his joined by long-term assistant Steve Agnew.
Meanwhile, Richard Keogh, Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks make up the rest of the Seasiders coaching team.
Bruce has been out of work for just under two years, with his last job being with West Brom, who sacked him in October 2022.
The former Manchester United defender has also coached the likes of Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Sunderland, Hull City and Newcastle United throughout his managerial career, and has over 1000 games under his belt in the role.
“I’m delighted to get the opportunity and to be back in football - it’s been a long time,” he told Blackpool’s club media.
“It’s been a couple of years, that’s been forced upon me by myself. I thought it was time to take a break, but I’m itching to go.
“I first met the owner (Simon Sadler) a week ago, and I know David Downes from my time at Aston Villa. After speaking to them and sharing their ambition, then that challenge was too good to turn down.
“I’ve missed football. I’ve been in it all my life, and I’ve missed it in the last months in particular so I can’t wait to get started again.
“I’ve been lucky to play nearly 1000 games as a footballer and then do nearly 1000 games as a manager. If someone had told me that growing up then I would’ve snatched their hands off.
“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.”