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Interview March 2026
You famously got into football by the skin of your teeth after being rejected by several clubs as a youngster. How close did you come to packing it in altogether?
I was never going to pack it in altogether, but I was probably coming to terms with the reality of it. I played for the famous Wallsend Boys Club and would you believe most of the players there were already signed up by clubs.
Only myself and Peter Beardsley had not been fixed up. Both of us had been rejected by clubs across the country, from Newcastle and Sunderland to Bolton, Derby, Sheffield and Burnley.
Burnley was probably the biggest disappointment. They released me when I was fifteen and I was preparing to go and work in the Swan Hunter shipyards.
Then a chance came with Gillingham. It really felt like my last opportunity. Thankfully they kept hold of me and gave me the platform to start my career. I went down there at sixteen as one of two apprentices and spent seven years at the club. I will always be grateful for that chance.
Steve Bruce reveals how close he came to giving up football
Do you think those early rejections helped shape your career in hindsight?
It taught me a harsh lesson about how tough life could be if football did not work out.
I remember doing work experience at the shipyards and seeing around thirty thousand men working there. I was sitting on a ship in the middle of February thinking I was not sure I could handle that life.
That moment grounded me and made me realise how much I wanted football to work out.
I was also quite small physically when I was younger and needed time to develop. When I was seventeen I was probably the size of a fourteen-year-old.
Gillingham gave me that time to grow and develop as a player, which I will always appreciate.
Steve Bruce on the rejection that drove him
You later joined Norwich City and won Player of the Year in your debut season, but the club was relegated that same year. What was that experience like?
It was still a wonderful experience. At the time I had the option of joining Coventry or QPR as well, but I chose Norwich.
One of the reasons was that Dave Watson had broken into the England squad and I liked the idea of playing alongside him.
We went on to win Norwich’s only major trophy in 1985, which was an incredible achievement for the club.
Unfortunately we were relegated in the same season, so it was a year of real highs and lows.
Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.
Steve Bruce reflects on Norwich highs and lows
You eventually joined Manchester United after some disagreement around your transfer. Do you have sympathy for players today when transfers become complicated?
My situation was slightly different. Norwich were pushing me towards signing for Tottenham because there was apparently an agreement in place.
But once Manchester United came into the picture there was only one club I wanted to join.
As a northern lad especially, when Manchester United come calling it is very difficult to say no.
I had to make my feelings clear more than once to make sure the move happened, but thankfully it all worked out in the end.
Steve Bruce on choosing Man United over Spurs
Your two late goals against Sheffield Wednesday are one of the most iconic Manchester United moments. Do you see that as the defining moment of your career?
It has to be right up there.
Even today when I walk around Manchester people still mention those two goals. It was more than thirty years ago but fans still remember the moment and the celebration with Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Kidd on the touchline.
People often think that game won us the league, but we still had six or seven matches left to play.
We actually won 1–0 at Coventry a few days later thanks to Dennis Irwin and nobody ever talks about that game.
But the emotion around those two goals made it an unforgettable moment.
Steve Bruce on his iconic Sheffield Wednesday goals
You made over 400 appearances for Manchester United and captained the club, yet you never won a senior England cap. Does that still frustrate you?
I suppose it does a little bit. Who wouldn’t want to play for their country?
But I never even made a squad, never mind getting on the pitch. Bobby Robson was very loyal to the players he trusted, people like Terry Butcher, Mark Wright, Tony Adams and Des Walker.
Those players had so many caps between them that it was very difficult to break through.
Bobby Robson did admit once that he probably should have picked me, but it never happened and that is just something I have had to live with over the years.
Steve Bruce reflects on England snub
You recently said Bruno Fernandes might be the only current Manchester United player who could get into your old side. Not even Kobbie Mainoo?
Would he get in ahead of Paul Ince, Roy Keane or Bryan Robson? That team from 1994 was a very special side.
We had players like Hughes, Cantona, Keane, Ince, Robson, Kanchelskis, Giggs, Sharpe, Pallister, Irwin and Schmeichel. It was a fantastic group of players.
I am not trying to disrespect anyone in the current squad, but I was asked honestly who might get into that team.
For me, Bruno Fernandes has been the standout United player in recent years. His goals, assists and consistency speak for themselves.
Even then, you could still debate whether he would start ahead of someone like Cantona or Hughes.
Steve Bruce backs Bruno Fernandes over current United stars
Kobbie Mainoo may not get into that team, but do you think he should be in the England World Cup squad?
He has worked his way back into the Manchester United team recently which is good to see.
He burst onto the scene as a huge talent and everyone knows the quality he has.
But if you are not playing regularly for your club then it is very difficult to get into the national team.
Now that he is playing again and performing well, he has put himself right back into contention.
Steve Bruce backs Kobbie Mainoo for England contention
What have you made of Michael Carrick’s impact since stepping in as head coach?
He has been very refreshing in the short time he has had the job.
The biggest thing is that he understands Manchester United and how big the club is. When you walk into that job everything you do is analysed.
He has brought calmness to the team and players look more comfortable in their positions.
Players like Harry Maguire are performing well again, Kobbie Mainoo has come back into the side and Bruno Fernandes is playing in his best role.
When good players are comfortable in their positions you tend to see the rewards and that is happening now.
Steve Bruce praises Michael Carrick’s United impact
Does Manchester United need someone who understands the club or is that just romantic thinking?
It is always difficult because the club has tried experienced managers and former players in the role.
What makes Manchester United unique is the expectation and the style of football supporters expect.
The club has always been about exciting attacking players who get fans off their seats.
If you have players capable of producing moments like that then Manchester United becomes a very dangerous team again.
Steve Bruce on what Manchester United needs
How highly do you rate Harry Maguire and should Manchester United offer him a new contract?
I think Harry has been unfairly criticised for too long.
In my view he has never let Manchester United down and he has never let England down either.
He became a bit of a whipping boy during difficult periods for the club, but his performances have always been solid.
I would not be surprised if he is offered a new contract. Centre-halves often improve with age.
With his experience he could still have a big role to play.
Steve Bruce defends Harry Maguire
You managed both Newcastle and Sunderland. Looking back, do you feel you were given a fair chance at Newcastle?
I believe I had a fair crack at it, but the circumstances were very different to what they are today.
When I took the job Newcastle had only been outside the Championship for a couple of years and the remit was simply to stabilise the club and keep it in the Premier League.
Now with the new owners they are operating on a completely different scale with the investment they can make in players.
There were tough times during my spell, there is no doubt about that, but I do not regret taking the job.
I was managing my boyhood club and that is something I will always look back on with pride.
Steve Bruce reflects on managing boyhood club Newcastle
The Tyne-Wear derby is coming up. How important is that match in the North East?
The rivalry is incredibly intense in the North East and it always has been.
I am not sure Sunderland fans would actually accept relegation just to beat Newcastle, but it shows how emotional that fixture is for supporters.
It is one of the great spectacles in English football and the atmosphere around those games is incredible.
I am just pleased that the North East has strong representation in the Premier League again.
Ideally we would see Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough all competing at the top level because that region deserves it.
Steve Bruce on Tyne-Wear derby intensity
You were Sunderland manager when Newcastle won 5–1 at St James’ Park. How long did that result take to get over?
That was arguably one of the worst days I have experienced in football.
Losing 5–1 in a derby match is incredibly difficult to take.
But football can change quickly. In the next game we went away to Chelsea, who were the champions at the time, and beat them comfortably.
That is just the nature of the sport. Some days are unforgettable for the wrong reasons.
Steve Bruce recalls painful derby defeat
Joe Willock was a player you signed for Newcastle. Should the club offer him a new contract?
If he is fit and healthy then he is a very good player.
When we brought him in from Arsenal he made a huge impact and scored seven goals in the final games of the season.
We did everything we could to bring him to the club permanently. At the time we spent almost all the money we had available to sign him.
He has struggled with injuries in recent seasons but when he is fully fit he is a quality midfielder.
Steve Bruce backs Joe Willock
How do you reflect on your time managing Aston Villa?
When I arrived at Aston Villa the club was going through a very difficult period.
They had won only four games in over fifty matches and the immediate job was to stabilise the team and avoid dropping further down.
For a club with the size and history of Aston Villa that situation was very serious.
We managed to reach the playoff final but lost 1–0 to Fulham, which was incredibly disappointing.
New owners arrived soon after and they decided to move in a different direction.
I still have a lot of admiration for what the club has achieved since then.
Steve Bruce on difficult Aston Villa spell
Seeing John McGinn captain Aston Villa now must be satisfying given you signed him?
He is definitely one of my best signings.
At the time we could barely afford the transfer fee and had to work very hard to bring him to the club.
There were negotiations to convince him to join Villa in the Championship rather than Celtic.
Watching him become club captain and compete for Champions League football is incredibly satisfying.
Those moments are one of the great rewards of management, seeing players develop and achieve success.
Steve Bruce proud of John McGinn signing
Hull City is arguably where you did your best managerial work. What made that team so successful?
We had a fantastic spirit in the dressing room and a strong core of players.
There were three or four Irish players who helped drive the standards and the culture within the squad.
Very quickly we built a good team and managed to win promotion at the first attempt.
We then had a wonderful season in the Premier League, reached the FA Cup final and even played in Europe.
When I look back at the team on paper now, we had a very good side and they deserved that success.
Steve Bruce reflects on successful Hull side
What have you made of Hull City’s current season under their manager?
They have quietly done a very good job and stayed under the radar.
It surprised a lot of people when Liam Rosenior left, which just shows how unpredictable football can be.
Since then the team has been steady and competitive and they have given themselves a chance of progressing.
For supporters who have experienced difficult years recently it is encouraging to see them moving forward again.
Steve Bruce praises Hull’s quiet progress
You won promotion from the Championship with Hull. What advice would you give teams chasing promotion in the final weeks of the season?
The final weeks are always the hardest part of the season.
I always say that when the daffodils start coming out the pressure begins to increase.
The key is staying calm, keeping the squad healthy and enjoying the challenge ahead.
Promotion from the Championship into the Premier League is one of the best experiences you can have in football.
I still keep a close eye on Hull and hope they continue moving forward.
Steve Bruce shares promotion advice
Ollie McBurnie has been in great form this season. Should he be in Scotland’s World Cup squad?
That does not surprise me at all.
If he is fit and healthy he is a very good centre forward at that level.
He would do well in most teams in the Championship and I would expect him to be part of Scotland’s plans.
Steve Bruce backs Ollie McBurnie for Scotland
You signed Andy Robertson for less than £100,000. Did you ever imagine he would achieve what he has?
Very quickly it became clear that he was an excellent player.
Originally he was not meant to start straight away, but injuries meant he got his chance in the first game of the season against QPR.
He was outstanding that day and never left the team afterwards.
Moving to Liverpool was the ultimate test but he has proven himself at the highest level and had a wonderful career.
I am delighted to have played a small part in his journey.
Steve Bruce proud of Andy Robertson signing
You have managed over 1,000 games in your career. Do you think you are finished with management?
I have said before that I probably will not go back into management, but I have said that before and made a fool of myself.
When you have spent your whole life in football it is difficult to step away completely.
Your routine disappears and suddenly you are not training every day or preparing for matches every weekend.
I have really enjoyed doing media work and punditry recently and working with Talksport.
But in football you can never say never.
Steve Bruce leaves door open for management return
Your three football mystery novels have become cult classics. Are you tempted to write another?
Those books were a bit of fun at the time.
They started almost as a joke but over the years they have become something people talk about quite a lot.
Apparently copies of them now sell for several hundred pounds which surprises me.
If someone still has one in their attic they might want to dig it out.
I have been asked about writing another book and maybe one day I will write a proper autobiography.
After spending so many years in football there are plenty of stories that could be told.
Steve Bruce laughs about his cult football novels
In this interview, former footballer and manager Steve Bruce discusses several topics including his views on managerial changes at Sunderland, potential managerial fits for Manchester United with a nod towards Thomas Tuchel, and Manchester United’s potential move for Dan Ashworth. Bruce also shares his thoughts on Dwight Yorke’s managerial aspirations, David Moyes’ future, his own desires to return to football, and assesses the prospects of players like Anthony Gordon and Jordan Henderson in the England squad. Bruce's insights touch on the complexities and challenges of football management and the dynamics within professional clubs.
Steve Bruce Profile
Stephen Roger Bruce, born on 31 December 1960 in Corbridge, Northumberland, England, began his playing career after overcoming early rejections from professional clubs. Making his mark at Gillingham, where he started as an apprentice, Bruce played over 200 games before moving to Norwich City in 1984. His successful tenure at Norwich, highlighted by winning the League Cup in 1985, catapulted him into the spotlight, leading to a transfer to Manchester United in 1987. At United, Bruce became a key figure, winning multiple honors including three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup, and the European Cup Winners' Cup. Despite his club success, Bruce never represented England at the senior international level, a fact that remains a notable omission in an otherwise stellar career.
Managerial Career
Turning to management after his playing days, Bruce took the reins at several clubs beginning with Sheffield United. His managerial career is distinguished by his ability to guide teams through promotions, notably achieving this feat twice with Birmingham City. Bruce also managed Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Hull City, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, and Newcastle United, before his latest stint at West Bromwich Albion. Renowned for his resilience and tactical nouse, his managerial journey has been marked by significant ups and downs, including leading Hull City to the 2014 FA Cup Final and handling Newcastle United during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic era. However, his tenure across these clubs has also been characterized by fluctuating fortunes and eventual departures, with his time at West Bromwich ending in October 2022 after a disappointing start to the season.
Legacy
Stephen Bruce's football journey spanning over four decades as both a player and a manager is a testament to his dedication to the game. Notably, his playing career is celebrated for the achievements with Manchester United and his significant impact on the field, despite the glaring absence of an international cap. As a manager, Bruce's legacy is enriched by his adaptability, leadership through promotions, and his milestone of 1,000 club matches managed. His contributions to English football, both on and off the pitch, underscore a career replete with determination, success, and an indelible mark on the clubs he served.
Interview February 2024
Michael Beale has been sacked by Sunderland. Would you be interested in the job?
SB: "That’s a very difficult question, I think the board needs to make up their minds on what they want. Sacking Tony Mowbray seemed a strange call as he was very popular and doing very well on the pitch.
“Sunderland, in my opinion, have had far too much change. To sack a manager after 12 games is testament to that, the board must make up their minds on what they want and support the new manager and more importantly give him time."
What type of manager would suit Manchester United if they moved on from Erik ten Hag?
SB: "Thomas Tuchel would be a good fit wherever he goes and I think it was a bit harsh that he ever lost his job with Chelsea in the first place. If you're the manager of Bayern Munich now, you cannot be losing three games in a row, that's the problem.
"It doesn't matter who the manager is, which underlines the problem that I've been talking about. Okay, they've had a bad two weeks in Europe and domestically, and the manager will come under pressure.
"He will be fine, that is for sure."
What do you make of Manchester United’s move for Dan Ashworth?
SB: "It would be a huge coup for Manchester United to get him away from Newcastle. There is no doubt this guy has probably invented the Director of Football role in this country.
"While it may be more common in Europe, Dan has certainly been one of the first in this country. When you look at his track record at every club he has been, I have the utmost respect for him and I wish him the best of luck.
"It seems as though he will be making the move over to United, purely just based on the speculation, and if so then you just hope for a speedy resolution to it all for every side.
"He's a very talented man and I've said this many times since I left Newcastle, you have to say Amanda Staveley and the people running the club have made three very shrewd appointments.
"Dan, Darren Eales and then of course Eddie, have all been three very good appointments and they've done fantastically well. That's been Newcastle's strength; where a lot of clubs get taken over and they haven't got the structure right, they spend colossal sums of money, Newcastle have bought very well and everybody who has walked through the door has seemed to be a success.
"That's not easy with the sums of money they are paying for people these days, so you have to say Dan is a real class act and highly thought of in the game."
Dwight Yorke has said he’s itching to get back into management, and would consider Birmingham and Sunderland if the vacancies became available. As you’ve managed him, can you tell us if you think that would be a good move for both parties?
SB: "I wish Dwight all of the best, but you have got to be a good fit wherever you go. Birmingham have obviously just made a big change, Wayne didn't happen for them and they've made a change with Tony Mowbray, so he just needs an opportunity to see what he can do.
"I wish him all the best of luck and it is really difficult to get back in, so I wish Yorkie all the best. I hope he gets a chance to show what he can do. He needs a chance, but sadly chances don't come around very often. There aren't many jobs out there at the moment."
David Moyes’ future continues to come under question. Is that fair?
SB: "Looking at where West Ham were two or three years ago, and the problem is that people just forget. Admittedly, he has had a little bit of a bad run, but all clubs have bad runs. You can lose four or five on the bounce sometimes, but it is how you react to that.
"They've just won a European trophy which I think is the first one they have won since the 60's! I've got a huge respect for what he has achieved and what he has done in the game and I've seen it many times where supporters want a change and it doesn't work.
"Why would you get rid of someone with a wonderful CV like Moysey has? Be careful what you wish for West Ham fans, that would be my advice.
"This phrase 'under pressure' has come about seemingly from nowhere, but you're technically under pressure from the first day as a manager and you need to get results straight away. If you don't, the phrase 'under pressure' comes out and before you know it, the manager loses his job.
"That's what I've seen from afar during my time away from football over this past year where I've not been working. It is such a cutthroat industry and people don't seem to have very good memories. West Ham have just won a huge trophy.
"I hope he turns it around, it would not surprise me if he did because of his vast experience. He is a fighter who won't give up and he's got a little something bit about him, or else he wouldn't have managed as many games as he has done in the Premier League."
What does the future hold for you, do you want to get back into management?
SB: "In some capacity, I would like to think that I could offer someone a response if they asked me anything about football. Whether I go on the coal face and manage again or if I go in and help a younger manager, whatever I do I really want to try and get back into football.
"I want to try and get back in, I find Saturday afternoons very strange. But how lucky I have been.
"I managed for 24 years and played for 20 years, this is the first time for 45 or 46 years that I have had a year out of football and I am itching to get back in some capacity."
Does Anthony Gordon deserve a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad?
SB: "We are so balanced and we have such a quality in wide areas for England it is scary and he has to be on the list, I would have thought. But England still have the likes of Foden, Grealish and Saka to consider - the list goes on and on.
"We have a wonderful array of talent in that area of attacking players, he must be on the agenda. He has been a real success and Newcastle have bought really well. Harvey Barnes will come into that category as well, even though he has suffered with injuries so far this season.
“At the minute, it has to be Foden and Saka in those wide positions for me.”
Does Jordan Henderson still deserve a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad? Is the damage to his reputation, following his move to Saudi Arabia, fair in your eyes?
SB: "Yeah I do, and listen, it obviously didn't work out. He has gone now to play for a big club in Holland and I'm biased because I had Jordan as a kid when he was 18 at Sunderland.
"I know the leadership qualities he has and what kind of pro he is. He will be there or thereabouts for England at the Euros because of what he gives.
"It will be interesting to see how he settles in Amsterdam, and like I said, he is a great pro and a great lad as well as a great leader. These players don't come around too often, so when you have got that altogether - yes he is not as young as he once was - but I still think he has a part to play.
"I would not be surprised if he is on that plane. Listen, you don't play for Liverpool for a decade if you can't play.
"It's great that he can run and he is committed, but the fundamentals are that you have to be able to play. And he would not be playing in that great Liverpool team if he can't play.
"He's not a Phil Foden who is going to get you off your chair, but he is a very good footballer."
