Steve Bruce

In December 1987, Steve Bruce completed a move from Norwich City to Manchester United for a fee of £800,000. This was a significant event in his career as it marked the beginning of a highly successful period at one of the most prestigious clubs in England. At Manchester United, Bruce became a key figure in the team's defense, known for his leadership and goal-scoring ability from set pieces.

Steve Bruce lifted his first major trophy as a Manchester United player when the Red Devils defeated Crystal Palace to win the FA Cup Final replay on May 17, 1990. This victory was pivotal for both Bruce and Sir Alex Ferguson, as it was the first of many trophies they would win together. Bruce played a central role in United's defense throughout the campaign, showcasing his stability and reliability.

In October 1996, Steve Bruce accepted his first managerial position, becoming the player-manager of Sheffield United. Shortly after leaving Manchester United, Bruce embarked on his managerial career, starting in the First Division with Sheffield United, where his understanding of the game and leadership qualities began to shape his new role off the pitch. Although his tenure was short, it laid the foundation for his future managerial appointments.

Steve Bruce was appointed as manager of Birmingham City in December 2001. He led the team to promotion to the Premier League in his first season, achieving this through the play-offs. His tenure at Birmingham City was marked by his pragmatic approach and ability to get the player group to work cohesively, ultimately establishing Birmingham as a competitive side in the Premiership.

In November 2007, Steve Bruce took over as the manager of Wigan Athletic, returning to the Premier League after leaving Birmingham City. At Wigan, he faced the challenge of keeping the club in the top flight with limited resources, showcasing his abilities to manage a smaller club and maintain its status in the premier competition of English football. Bruce's impact at Wigan was evident through their performances under his guidance.

Steve Bruce became the manager of Sunderland in June 2009. His appointment marked a new chapter in his managerial career, and he took charge of the team with the aim of strengthening their position in the Premier League. Bruce had multiple signings and attempted to build a side capable of achieving stability in the League, experiencing both highs and lows during his time at Sunderland.

In June 2012, Steve Bruce was appointed the manager of Hull City, where he successfully led the team to promotion to the Premier League in his first season. His tenure at Hull City was particularly noted for their FA Cup run in the 2013-14 season, where they reached the final and narrowly lost to Arsenal. Under his management, Hull City experienced some of their most successful periods in recent history.

In July 2019, Steve Bruce was appointed as manager of Newcastle United, succeeding Rafael Benítez. His appointment was met with mixed reactions from the Newcastle fan base due to Bruce's previous managerial stints and their expectation for a high-profile name. Despite the skepticism, Bruce aimed to steer Newcastle to a respectable finish in the Premier League, facing challenges and successes along the way.

In October 2021, Steve Bruce left his position as manager of Newcastle United by mutual consent. This decision came shortly after the club's takeover by a Saudi-led consortium. Bruce's departure marked the end of a tumultuous period where he faced intense scrutiny and criticism from fans and media alike. His tenure was characterized by challenges both on and off the field, navigating the team through financially constrained conditions.

In February 2022, Steve Bruce was announced as the new manager of West Bromwich Albion. Taking over the club in the midst of a Championship campaign, Bruce aimed to stabilize the team's performance and push for promotion to the Premier League. His experience and understanding of the English game were seen as assets by the club as they looked to contend for a spot in top-flight football.