I MISSED THE BUZZ

Bruce refreshed and delighted to be back

-  NEIL GOULDING

STEVE BRUCE snubbed retirement because the pain of not being in the dugout was just too hard to endure.

The 63-year-old former Newcastle, Aston Villa and Hull boss has been out of management for nearly two years after being sacked by West Brom in October 2022 after just eight months in charge.

But having been linked with a string of jobs since then, including most recently the Jamaica national side, Bruce is relishing the chance to try to achieve success with League One Blackpool.

“I’ve realised retirement wasn’t for me,” said Bruce. “I’ve really missed it, that’s why I’m back in it.

“I’ve missed the buzz of a Saturday afternoon for sure. I’m raring to go.