Soccer

Steve Bruce to miss Blackpool match after death of four-month-old grandson

Bruce will be absent for the home match against Barnsley.

Steve Bruce has won four of his six league matches in charge of Blackpool
Steve Bruce has won four of his six league matches in charge of Blackpool (Mike Egerton/PA)
By PA Sport Staff

Steve Bruce will miss Blackpool’s clash against Barnsley following the death of his baby grandson.

Blackpool confirmed their 63-year-old boss, whose former clubs include Birmingham, Hull, Aston Villa and Newcastle, would not be in the dugout on Saturday afternoon.

A Blackpool statement 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.”

Millwall sent “unconditional love and support” and QPR their “deepest condolences, love and support” to their former striker Matt Smith, Madison’s father and Bruce’s son-in-law.

“We are with you every step of the way, Smudger,” Millwall said on X, while QPR added: “We’re all with you Smudger.”

Smith retired in the summer after a spell with Salford, whose assistant manager Alex Bruce, Steve’s son and Madison’s uncle, will also be absent for Saturday’s League Two match at Crawley.

A statement from Salford said: “All at the football club send our love and full support to Alex, Matt Smith and the family.

“We request that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”

Former Manchester United defender Steve Bruce has won four, drawn one and lost one of his six League One games in charge of Blackpool since succeeding Neil Critchley last month. The Tangerines are currently 10th in the table.