Footballer

Steve Bruce was always a talented footballer, but after being rejected by a host of leading clubs he opted to join Gillingham in 1979. After spending six years at the club he moved to Norwich City, where his talents were spotted by Manchester United. Bruce was a crucial part of the Canaries side that won the League Cup in 1985.

Steve Bruce at Man Utd

His time at the Red Devils was glittered with trophies as he made 309 appearances in a nine-year career at Old Trafford. During his time with United, he won the Premier League and FA Cup on three occasions, the League Cup in 1992 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991. His time at United was also recognised as he was named in the Domestic Team of the Decade. Despite his hugely successful career, he was never selected to play for England and this was something that has saw Bruce named as one of the best players to have never played for the country.

Achievement

He won seven major trophies at Old Trafford – three championships, two FA Cups, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup. Steve Bruce also claimed the distinction of being the first English player of the 20th century to captain a team to the double when United pulled off the feat in 1994.

Management

Bruce retired in 1999 and moved straight into management. Steve has managed ten clubs (Wigan twice), five of them on the top flight, and won promotion to the Premier League four times. He enjoyed spells at Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic and Crystal Palace before finally making his mark at Birmingham City. During his time at St Andrew’s he won promotion to the Premier League. Steve moved back to Wigan in 2007 where he was credited with maintaining their Premier League status. He did the same again with Sunderland and Hull City. Bruce moved to Aston Villa in 2016 where he guided the club to the playoff final. In 2019, he took over at Newcastle United.