Steve Bruce

Centre-back who won twelve trophies with Manchester United, the first English player of the 20th century to captain a team to the Double, and later a manager of over 1,000 club matches.

Stephen Roger Bruce (born 31 December 1960) is an English professional football manager and former player who was a centre-back in a twenty-year playing career. He was most recently the head coach of EFL League One club Blackpool.

Quick Facts

Full name: Stephen Roger Bruce
Born: 31 December 1960
Birthplace: Corbridge, England
Position: Centre-back
Total caps: 737
Total goals: 81

Lore & Background

Bruce was born in Corbridge, Northumberland. He played for Gillingham, Norwich City, and Manchester United, winning twelve trophies with United including three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup, and the European Cup Winners' Cup. He became the first English player of the 20th century to captain a team to the Double. He was never selected for the England national team. It also does not state his league goal tally for the 1990–91 or 1991–92 seasons.

Reader's Guide

Bruce began his managerial career with Sheffield United, and managed Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, Sunderland, Hull City, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion, and Blackpool. He led Birmingham City and Hull City to promotions to the Premier League, and Hull City to the 2014 FA Cup Final. His final match in charge was his 1,000th in club management.

Did You Know?

Bruce was a boyhood fan of Newcastle United and sneaked into St James' Park without paying.
He was rejected by several professional clubs before joining Gillingham.
He broke his own leg in a match against Newport County in 1983.
He was voted into Gillingham's Hall of Fame in 2009.
He captained the England B team in 1987.