Blackpool's Steve Bruce to miss match after four-month-old ...

19 Oct 2024

The Guardian

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Blackpools Steve Bruce to miss match after fourmonthold

The manager is on leave for Saturday’s match against Barnsley after the loss of his grandson, with Blackpool saying they ‘send love to Steve and his family’

Blackpool’s Steve Bruce to miss match after four-month-old grandson dies

Manager on leave for Saturday’s match against Barnsley
League One Blackpool ‘send love to Steve and his family’

Steve Bruce will miss Blackpool’s League One clash against Barnsley due to a family bereavement.

Blackpool confirmed their 63-year-old manager, whose former clubs include Birmingham, Hull, Aston Villa and Newcastle, will not be in the dugout on Saturday afternoon following the death of his grandson.

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.”

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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.

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