Steve Bruce insists his own poor recruitment led to his sacking as Blackpool boss.
The ex-Newcastle manager was axed by the Seasiders earlier this month following a run of defeats which left them 23rd in League One.
Steve Bruce has enjoyed an almost 30-year managerial career
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Steve Bruce has enjoyed an almost 30-year managerial careerCredit: Getty
Bruce took charge of Blackpool in September 2024 and led the club to 17 wins in his 41 games in the dugout.
But the 64-year-old was relieved of his duties and after a period of reflection, Bruce believes the signings made during his tenure played a part in his dismissal.
An honest admission
Bruce was discussing former club Manchester United’s summer shopping spree before turning the attention to his own struggles at the League One club.
“I think the most important thing this year for United is that they've bought well,” Bruce said on The Good, The Bad & The Football show.
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“That’s crucial these days. I know after what happened to me at Blackpool.
“The recruitment side, in the end, has probably cost me my job. It’s so vital.”
The former Manchester United captain signed 17 players during his time at Bloomfield Road with all but two recruits coming in either as free transfers or loan deals.
His only expenditure came via the permanent transfers of winger Malcolm Ebiowei for £1million from Crystal Palace and Midfielder Jordan Brown for a reported £375,000 from Leyton Orient.
Bruce has enjoyed a 27-year management career since being handed his first opportunity with Sheffield United in 1998.
He has managed a total of 12 clubs including two separate spells in charge of Wigan Athletic.
Bruce lifted the lid on what when wrong for him during his time at Blackpool
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Bruce lifted the lid on what when wrong for him during his time at Blackpool
Bruce infamously took charge of Newcastle at arguably the club’s lowest ebb during the final years of Mike Ashley’s ownership.
He oversaw two consecutive relegation battles before being replaced by Eddie Howe in October 2021 following the Saudi-led takeover of the club.
Time's up
However, according to former Stoke boss Tony Pulis, Bruce should now call time on his managerial career and spend time with his family.
“Steve Bruce has nothing left to prove in football so I’d like to see him go and enjoy his free time," Pulis told Grosvenor Casino.
"It's difficult to break away when you've been in it all your life, like Steve has.
“My advice to him is to leave it now. He's had a wonderful career and is well respected as both a player and a manager.
Ex-Stoke boss Tony Pulis has advised Bruce to step away from football
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Ex-Stoke boss Tony Pulis has advised Bruce to step away from footballCredit: Rex Features
"He should spoil his family and spend some of his money. He should really start enjoying his life.
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“If someone had told him at the beginning of his career at Gillingham what would happen in the next 20-30 years, he wouldn't have believed it.
"He's been absolutely fantastic and blessed. So, my advice to him is to get out there and enjoy his family.”