Blackpool manager Steve Bruce will be absent from their next match against Barnsley following the tragic and shocking death of his four-month-old grandson Madison. The Death Of Steve Bruce Grandson, Sends The Football World Into Mourning.
And, in a sad development, the League One club has announced that the 63-year-old boss will not be at the helm against the Magpies on Saturday as he and his family get to come to terms with the tragic loss. Madison was the son of Steve Bruce daughter Amy Bruce and his son-in-law, former footballer Matt Smith. The sad news has also sent shockwaves across the football fraternity, with clubs and fans sending condolence and support to Steve Bruce Blackpool and his family in these trying times.
Steve Bruce’s Absence from Blackpool
Appointed in September, Steve Bruce guided Blackpool with great form and into the top half of the League One table. This tragic family event took precedence, though, as the club has made it crystal clear that Bruce would not attend the weekend game. A statement from the club said:
“Head coach Steve Bruce will not attend tomorrow’s fixture against Barnsley after the sudden death of his four-month-old grandson Madison. Everyone at the football club sends love to Steve and his family. We ask that their privacy be respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”
Tributes Pour in for Steve Bruce Son, Steve Bruce Daughter, and Family
Old clubs, players, and fans have rallied around Bruce following this personal tragedy. The clubs that Matt Smith enjoyed a successful playing career with, Millwall, Fulham, and Leeds United, have all rallied around Matt Smith footballer. Millwall, for whom he played 91 times, released an emotional message on their social media site: “We send our unconditional love and support to Matt Smith and his family. Our hearts are with you during this incredibly trying time.” Queens Park Rangers, one of Smith’s former clubs, also said, “We’re all with you, Smudger.”
Also absent will be Steve Bruce son, Alex Bruce, who is expected to carry out his duties as assistant manager of Salford City this weekend. Salford City issued a statement of solidarity: “Our love and full support are with Alex Bruce, Matt Smith, and the family during this incredibly sad time.” The club further announced that Alex, Steve Bruce’s son, would not attend this weekend’s match when his team faces Crewe Alexandra in League Two. Salford City confirmed he would miss the fixture at Crewe Alexandra following the death of Madison, who was his nephew.
Steve Bruce Grandson: Football World in Mourning
Steve Bruce Grandson: Football World in MourningThe tributes have come in thick and fast from the footballing fraternity-from clubs up and down the land, offering their condolences to Steve Bruce, a man who has obviously enjoyed a glittering managerial career in Football. West Bromwich Albion, which he once managed, said: “Everybody at West Bromwich Albion sends their condolences, thoughts, and love to Steve Bruce’s family at this desperately sad time.” Tributes have also been paid by clubs like Birmingham City, for whom Bruce managed on two occasions, and Leeds United, another of Matt Smith’s old clubs.
A family friend who has known Bruce and his family since he was a young boy said: “Steve Bruce and his daughter Amy Bruce are devastated. This man has handled immense pressure in Football over the years, but this personal loss is far greater.”
Steve Bruce Blackpool Legacy
Appointed in September, Steve Bruce has taken the reins of Blackpool as the club rises steadily through League One and is currently in a strong position. Having lost only one in six league games, Bruce’s experience and tactical acumen have steered the Tangerines into 10th place.
His absence against Barnsley comes at the most difficult time of the season, but events on the pitch are now insignificant compared to standing by the club’s manager at a time of grief. A caretaker for the match has yet to be announced, but it is understood that assistant staff will take temporary charge of the match day.
This incident happened even though his contributions have been felt for Blackpool, considering how the club has fared. Getting back into management after almost a two-year hiatus rejuvenated the team once more, and they will definitely miss him on and off the field.
Matt Smith Footballer’s Career and Connection to Steve Bruce
Matt Smith, the son-in-law of Steve Bruce, is a former professional footballer who announced his retirement back in August. Matt Smith had played for clubs like Millwall, Fulham, and QPR during his football career, and the connection with Bruce was intimate on a personal level as much as professional. Now retired from the game following this tragedy, the former striker saw an overwhelming amount of support from clubs where he left his mark.
A former teammate speaks about Matt Smith’s career: “Matt was always a fighter on the pitch, and it’s that fighting spirit that will pull him and his family through this period. The football world is behind him.”
Looking Ahead for Blackpool
As Blackpool continues its season in League One, the club has thrown its arms around its manager. Bruce, who had almost become an institution in English football, will take all the time he needs to grieve and be with his loved ones. Nobody knows when he will return to the touchline, but Blackpool has reiterated its full support for Bruce.
This tragedy gives perspective on Football, with the outpouring of love and condolences reminding us that, at the heart, the football community is a family. Blackpool will carry on without Steve Bruce for now, but their thoughts are with their manager during this unimaginable loss.
One fan poignantly expressed it best: “Football is important, but some things are bigger than the game. We’re all with you, Steve.”
