Blackpool have confirmed that Steve Bruce will miss their League One encounter with Barnsley on Saturday following the tragic death of his four-month-old grandson. The former Newcastle boss took charge at Bloomfield Road in September following Neil Critchley’s departure.
Bruce won his first four league games at the north west club, with Blackpool climbing to 10th in the League One table under his guidance.
He was due to oversee his first home match in over a fortnight this weekend against the Tykes, with both sides sitting on 15 points after 10 games.
But Blackpool confirmed in a statement on Friday evening: “The club can announce that head coach Steve Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture against Barnsley due to the tragic passing of his four-month-old grandson, Madison.
“Everyone at the football club send their love to Steve and his family. We ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”
Bruce became manager at Bloomfield Road after being sacked by West Bromwich Albion in October 2022. He was joined at the club by Steve Agnew along with coaches Richard Keogh, Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks.
And following his arrival in the town, the 63-year-old said: “I’m delighted to be back in football and to take charge of this fantastic football club. 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.”
A whole host of football league clubs sent their best wishes to Bruce on X (formerly Twitter) following the sad news.
West Brom wrote: “Everybody at West Bromwich Albion sends their condolences, thoughts and love to Steve Bruce’s family at this desperately sad time.” Preston North End penned: “Devastating news. Sending our thoughts and condolences to Steve and his family at this incredibly difficult time.”
And Birmingham – a club where Bruce spent two seasons as a player between 1996 and 1998 before returning to manage them in 2001 – said: “Everyone at Blues sends their love and support to our former boss and his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Bruce, who helped Manchester United win three Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his playing days, began his managerial career with Sheffield United in 1998. He has also taken charge of the likes of Sunderland, Hull and Aston Villa.
It is currently unknown how long he will spend away from Blackpool, with the club travelling to Peterborough on Tuesday night before hosting Wigan next Saturday.
