Bruce and the long, winding road that leads to Blackpool

“I am very disappointed and saddened to see Steve go, having made personal attempts to make him stay. But given the divisions within Sheffield United this has not been possible” – chief suit Carlo Colombotti, May 1999.
“We have mutually agreed that it is in both [Huddersfield]’s and Steve’s best interests that this amicable agreement has been reached” – chief suit Barry Rubery, October 2000.
“He told me that he had thought about the move for over a week and it was an offer he couldn’t refuse. We didn’t even have the chance to offer him a package with Wigan” – chief suit Dave Whelan, May 2001.
“The very latest is that Steve Bruce has resigned from his position at Crystal Palace Football Club. However, I have refused to accept his resignation and he is still bound by the terms of his contract, which include a significant notice period” – chief suit Simon Jordan, November 2001.
“The company announces that Steve Bruce has been released from his contract, and has resigned from his position as manager of Birmingham City Football Club with immediate effect and the company has received in cash three million pounds in compensation” – club statement, November 2007
“I have always said I would not stand in anyone’s way who wishes to leave the club, as long as the terms are in the best interest of Wigan” – Dave Whelan, June 2009.
“Steve has acted with honesty and integrity throughout, which is testament to the character and commitment he has shown during his time at Sunderland. I would like to personally place on record my thanks to him for his significant contribution to our football club” – Ellis Short, November 2011.
“Following four incredible seasons with [Hull City] including two promotions and our first ever FA Cup final, we can confirm that manager Steve Bruce has left the club by mutual consent” – club statement, July 2016.
“[Aston Villa] would like to place on record our gratitude to Steve and his team for their hard work and commitment. We wish them well for the future” – club statement, October 2018.
“The club is disappointed to learn via a public statement issued by Newcastle United that it has appointed former Sheffield Wednesday staff Steve Bruce” – club statement, July 2019.
“Newcastle United would like to place on record its gratitude to Steve for his contribution and wishes him well for the future” – club statement, October 2021.
“[West Brom] would like to place on record its thanks to Steve Bruce and his coaching staff for their efforts since arriving in February” – club statement, October 2022.
“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” – owner Simon Sadler, September 2024.
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