On 2nd February, Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion parted company with former Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael, and within a flash had appointed former Sheffield United boss, Steve Bruce as coach of the Baggies. The Midlands club became his 12th club in his 24-year managerial record.
As a player, Steve Bruce enjoyed a playing career at Gillingham, Norwich City, Manchester United, Birmingham City, and Sheffield United where he was employed on a player/manager role at Bramall Lane. He played ten league games as a player with the Blades and spent one season in charge of the Blades, the 1998-99 season.
As a manager, it was his first club in charge and despite a typically strong start to the First Division (now Championship) campaign, results flattered to deceive and the second half saw United slip away from the top six. Poor away form cost them dearly, and they finished the season eighth in the table and nine points away from the Play-Off zone.
With finances tight at SUFC, he left the club at the end of the season and took charge of Huddersfield Town.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Newcastle United – Steve Bruce & Joelinton Press Conference – Newcastle United Training Centre, Newcastle, Britain – July 24, 2019 Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/John Clifton
The 1998-99 season is, perhaps, remembered for the Blades antics in the FA Cup. Round Three was somewhat troublesome. After drawing 1-1 with Notts County at Bramall Lane, a replay at Meadow Lane was required. With seven minutes remaining in the replay, the Blades found themselves 3-1 behind, however, two goals in the last four minutes from David Holdsworth, and Marcelo drew the match 3-3. The game went into extra-time where Brazilian striker, Marcelo again notched what proved to be a winner, but the majority of the extra-time was played with ten men after Wayne Quinn received his second bookable offence.
Round Four went plain sailing, beating Cardiff City 4-1 at home, but Round Five proved a headache. The Blades were drawn against Premier League Champions and FA Cup holders Arsenal at their former Highbury ground. Despite Patrick Viera taking a 28-minute lead, United battled hard and on 48 minutes, a Marcelo header sailed into the net. A replay was looking likely until a turn in events on 74 minutes turned the game sour. Keeper Alan Kelly had booted the ball out following an injury to midfielder Lee Morris. Arsenal took the throwing. The gentlemanly agreement dictates that usually the ball is returned to the keeper, however, Kanu – making his Arsenal debut, delivered the ball invitingly in the box for an unmarked Marc Overmars to chase and slot home. This sparked controversy and protests. The United players were willing to walk off the pitch in the discussion. The game, however, was played and the Gunners won 2-1. In fair play, manager Arsene Wenger offered a replay. This was accepted, the match was void and Arsenal won the re-match again 2-1.
After his time at Bramall Lane, Bruce has been the manager at; Huddersfield Town (1999-00), Wigan Athletic (2001), Crystal Palace (2001), Birmingham City (2001-07), Wigan Athletic (2007-09), Sunderland (2009-11), Hull City (2012-16), Aston Villa (2016-18), Sheffield Wednesday (2019), and Newcastle United (2019-21). In a managerial career that thus far has spanned 24-years; the journeyman has notched up over 1,000 matches as a manager. During his time he has won promotions on four occasions. Twice with Birmingham City (in 2001, and 2007), and twice with Hull City (2013, and 2016). With Hull, he also guided them to the FA Cup Final, losing to Arsenal in 2014.
Bruce has returned to the dugout with West Bromwich Albion since being relieved of his duties at Newcastle United last October. Tomorrow’s fixture at Sheffield United will be the new boss’s first game in charge of the Baggies – but will he get a good reception from the United fans?