Man Utd legend slammed after landing new managerial role

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 4 Sept 2024 22:21 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United legend Steve Bruce has been appointed as Blackpool manager – but the decision of the Tangerines has been slammed on the club’s X account.

Bruce was a centre-back in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side that won Man Utd’s Premier League titles and has since gone on to enjoy a long career in management.

The 63-year-old first took charge of Sheffield United in 1998 and has since gone on to coach a string of clubs, including Hull City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

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Bruce, though, has had limited success in the dugout, with a run to the FA Cup final of 2013/14 with Hull his greatest achievement.

His recent jobs, in particular, have seen him criticised by fans. At Newcastle, for example, he won only 28 of 97 matches to post a win percentage of 28.9, while his record in his subsequent role at West Bromwich Albion was even worse. He won only eight of 32 games for the Baggies, who were expected to challenge for promotion to the Championship.

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Fans slam Blackpool’s Steve Bruce appointment

Blackpool’s decision to appoint the veteran on a two-year contract, then, has not been warmly greeted, with Newcastle supporters hijacking the club’s announcement.

One user said: “Sincere condolences to you Blackpool fans and a glimpse of what’s to come, here’s ten things to watch out for;

1) It’s never his fault. Ever.

2) His son will be on high alert for any defamatory tweets.

3) National journalists will forego all scruples and personal integrity for cheap access to bacon balls.

4) Did I say it’s never his fault?

5) Ex-Pro’s will avoid criticising the Bruceosaurus at all costs. He could murder a granny and it’d be overlooked in favour of ‘great bloke’ Steve.

6) Prepare for ‘jobs for the boys’ and employment opportunities galore for sycophants.

7) He’ll get all of his news and views out in either the Telegraph with his client journo pal Luke Edwards or The Athletic with mate Caulkin.

8) You’ll get very tired of ‘dusting waselves down’.

9) The football will be industrial at best, turgid at worse

10) Did I mention…..nothing is ever his fault.

“Finally, he’ll not quit even after bombing you towards relegation quicker than Oasis flog reunion tickets….”

This was the theme of the comments.

“This will genuinely be the worst rollercoaster ride you’ve ever been on. Thoughts and prayers,” one user said before cheekily adding. “Good news is that he’ll keep the local takeaways in business.”

Another user said: “It won’t be pretty and it won’t end well. Really arrogant bloke that doesn’t even let people finish their sentences before butting in.”

Another Newcastle fan told Brighton supporters: “I am really, really sorry for what you're about to go through.”

A West Brom fan chipped in: "How this bloke's managed to get another job in football is beyond me. Had us with 1 win in 17 championship matches by the way. Slippery slope pending for Blackpool #wba."

One fan of the Seasiders was trying to be more upbeat as they tweeted: "Played at the highest level. Managed in prem Europe and an fa cup final. Achieved promotions automatically and in playoffs at a higher level than this and this is not the cheap option. Back it !!"

The message for Blackpool fans now Bruce is in charge is clear: brace yourselves.