Former Birmingham City, West Brom, Ipswich Town, Leeds United & Sheffield Wednesday figure handed first job in management

In an attempt to follow in his father’s footsteps, a former Birmingham City defender has made his initial forays into football management.

Having played for Birmingham City, the son of a former manager of the team now holds his first managerial position in the sport.

Son of former West Brom, Aston Villa, and Blues manager Steve Bruce, Alex Bruce is following in his father’s footsteps in the football management world. The 39-year-old, who announced his retirement in 2022, is now leading Macclesfield, the team he last played for.

Bruce will be answering to Robbie Savage, the director of football at Moss Rose and a midfielder for both Birmingham City and Wales. Macclesfield is a member of the eighth division of English football, the Northern Premier League Division One West.

Director of football Robbie Savage said on the club website, “Looking at Alex, Paul, and Phil and with my upbringing, the key values of coming through the system at Manchester United is a fundamental part of why we made these appointments.”

“Going forward, the ethos, morals, and beliefs that we wish to instill in the football team are crucial. Alex’s ability to manage a team and his coaching background at West Brom involving first-team players.”

throughout a four-year period, Bruce played primarily for Ipswich Town throughout his 14-year playing career. He also spent five and a half years as a player for Hull City, appearing in 104 games. His other clubs included Leicester City, Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic, and Blues, where he made 12 Premier League games.

When his father Steve was appointed manager back in February 2022, he was a member of the coaching staff. After eight months, Bruce Senior left after his father was released of his responsibilities.

Phil Bardsley, a former defender for Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Sunderland, will be part of Alex Bruce’s support team at Macclesfield. After a brief tenure at Stockport County, the 38-year-old retired earlier this summer and will now serve as Bruce’s assistant manager. With the Northern Irish FA, he holds a UEFA B Licence, and this is his first coaching position.