Steve Bruce appointed as their new manager and Blackpool fans react – Interesting…

The world of football was stunned on Tuesday night, news breaking that yet another club had selected Steve Bruce as their new manager.

Blackpool the ‘lucky’ one this time.

Steve Bruce is back in football management after unemployed for two years.

So what have Blackpool fans made of the appointment?

Steve Bruce left West Brom in a desperate state 23 months ago, whilst previous to that, Bruce sacked by the new Newcastle United owners as he was dragging NUFC down into the second tier and had won no matches in the first nine games of the 2021/22 season.

Blackpool fans reacting to the Steve Bruce appointment via their AVFTT message board:

’63 years old, out of work for the last 2 years, I don’t think he’s ever managed at this level, these are not good signs.

Another footballing dinosaur in my opinion.’

‘I’m just happy I didn’t waste money on a season ticket.’

‘We really needed someone to unite the fans and I don’t think Bruce is that man.’

‘You can’t unite our fans because a big minority think real life is football manager, are totally unrealistic and act like babies most of the time.’

‘You’ve missed an option, I wanted an experienced manager but never did I see that being Steve Bruce. I’m not normally an ‘on the fence’ kind of person but on this one, I am. I still can’t quite believe we’ve appointed Steve Bruce.’

‘See alot of people moaning, which I knew would happen, but I’m going to wait and see what happens. Bruce could be terrible, but he also could take us up, we don’t know. One thing is for sure, it’s never relaxing being a Blackpool fan.’

‘I wasn’t happy last night, but having slept on it and seen who his back room staff will be, I’m slightly more optimistic this morning. The proof will be in the pudding, but at least Bruce can be flexible. He’s played multiple diffrent formations and has had teams that looked decent in attack at times. Maybe I’m just trying to foce myself to be positive, but I hope he s a huge sucess with us. I can not be bothered being negative about this club anymore. Untill we lose and then the negativity will come flooding back I’m sure.’

‘Bruce certainly has bags of experience at various levels but most at the top flight clubs.

I’m still in shock he’s actually come here but I mentioned Moyes a couple of weeks ago (similar type of manager age/experience) and got laughed at with a few sly comments I wonder if I had mentioned Bruce I would have got the same replies?

Anyway he’s here now it could work it couldn’t work i actually think the way the team is playing right now he’s going to get lucky and have a good run of results and the fans will unite behind him.

One thing I am pleased at seeing is it’s only a 2 year contract and not a silly 4 year one.’

‘Bruce strikes me as a manager that could take us either way. We need to keep playing positive football though as the feel good factor and confidence that creates will take us a long way.’

‘I’m still bemused by it all. I can’t decide whether I like the appointment or not.

I’ll be supporting SB unless there becomes a reason not to.’

‘My instinct says poor appointment but I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes.’

‘I think some people need a reality check. Bruce has managed in the Prem for 90% of his career.’

‘My mind is blown, Steve Bruce… wow. Bizarre.’

‘I’ll get behind him. We have the makings of a good squad, lets see what he can do with them.’

‘Don’t get behind him, he might sit down.’

‘The owner is not fit for purpose. Does he realise it’s not 2004?’

‘Another dinosaur who has been out of work (semi retired) for a few seasons.’

‘I’m absolutely stunned.

Sadler must be on a wind up, Mccarthy and now Bruce. I guarantee the next manager will be a hologram of Sir Alf Ramsey.

How is this a progressive appointment?’

‘Well you know….

This post is sponsored by Greggs.’

‘Shocked. I think I hate it but I can’t get my head around it.’

‘Wow it’s true. I thought it was a wind up’

‘I thought I was reading his appointment on a spoof site at first when I saw Bruce appointed! Out of work for two years and I’ll admit it’s not blown me away. Give him a chance though.’

‘I actually am excited for this. It’s one hell of a big name manager that none of us saw coming!’

‘He’s been in the dole for 2 years!

For good reason.’

‘Big Bruce.

Remember guys, he had a hard time at Newcastle and Birmingham, would of learnt a lot from the best sir Alex as well.’

‘I’ve had texts from Villa and Birmingham “friends” already. Thank God my Baggies neighbour is on holiday;’

‘Look at his trajectory.

It’s been downhill for 6 years.’

‘He comes across as a genuinely good man.

Played at the very highest level and managed big clubs.

You never know, it could be a great appointment.’

‘I cannot believe we’ve appointed Steve Bruce.

In the whole of football, Steve Bruce was the best we could find.’

Blackpool official announcement – 3 September 2024:

‘Blackpool Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Bruce as Head Coach.

The highly experienced boss joins the Seasiders on a two-year deal alongside his long-term assistant Steve Agnew as Assistant Head Coach. Richard Keogh and Stephen Dobbie will be First-Team Coaches, with Steve Banks completing this impressive setup as Goalkeeping Coach.

Bruce brings a wealth of footballing know-how to Bloomfield Road, having managed numerous Clubs in the top two divisions of English football, achieving four promotions from The Championship to The Premier League. One of a handful of coaches who has reached the milestone of 1,000 games in Club management, the 63-year-old will take charge of training for the first time later this week.

On his appointment, Steve Bruce said:

“I’m delighted to be back in football and to take charge of this fantastic football club.

“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.”

Owner Simon Sadler said:

“I’m confident that Steve’s experience and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset for Blackpool Football Club. 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. 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.”