Steve Bruce will miss Blackpool’s game with Barnsley this weekend following the tragic passing of his fourth-month old grandson Madison.
Bruce was set to lead the Seasiders in the League One match on Saturday, but will no longer be in the dugout at Bloomfield Road.
The thoughts of talkSPORT are with Steve Bruce and his familyGetty
A statement from Blackpool said: “The club can announce that Head Coach Steve Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture against Barnsley due to the tragic passing of his four-month old grandson, Madison.
“Everyone at the football club send their love to Steve and his family.
“We ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”
Salford City assistant manager Alex Bruce will also take a leave of absence this weekend and miss the club’s trip to Crewe as he mourns his nephew.
Bruce’s former club Birmingham City paid tribute on X, writing: “Everyone at Blues sends their love and support to our former boss and his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Bristol City, Norwich City, Millwall, Preston North End and Crewe Alexandra also sent their condolences to the Bruce family.
A statement from the EFL read: “Everyone at the EFL sends their love and support to Steve and his family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Bruce took charge of Blackpool in September this year after replacing Neil Critchley as boss.
Such was the impressive nature of his start to life with the club, he was awarded the League One Manager Of The Month award for September.
Blackpool currently sit 10th in League One with 15 points from 10 games.
Bruce is one of the most respected bosses in English footballGetty
At the age of 63, Bruce is one of the most experienced managers in English football
He achieved legendary status with Manchester United as a player, winning three Premier League titles, before going on to management.
He has bossed numerous clubs including Wigan, Birmingham, Sunderland, Hull City and Aston Villa.
A short spell with Sheffield Wednesday ended when he took the job with Premier League side Newcastle United in the summer of 2019.
He spent just over two years with the Magpies during a turbulent time for the club as Mike Ashley’s much-maligned reign as the club’s owner led to significant fan unrest.
Unfortunately for Bruce, he was on the receiving end of much of that frustration, leading to him resigning in October 2021 following the takeover by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
He was then replaced by Eddie Howe, who remains in charge of Newcastle.
Bruce’s latest role came with West Brom where he spent eight months before leaving with the Baggies 22nd in the Championship.