Bruce: 'This job is just rediculous!'
BRUCE BLASTS ‘RIDICULOUS’ ROLE
STEVE BRUCE says if he had his time again he’d be a TV pundit rather than a manager.
Aston Villa boss Bruce says there’s never been a worse time to start out on the rocky road of management.
The 57-year-old has enjoyed 20 years in the dugout with spells at Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Wigan, Birmingham, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Hull and Villa.
His Villa side are currently in a Championship play-off spot, five points behind Derby, who are in the second automatic promotion place.
Today his side tackle Nottingham Forest, with new manager Aitor Karanka in charge for his first game after Mark Warburton’s sacking.
But Bruce reckons the game has gone mad and says it’s no wonder talented players are turning their back on management for a new life on TV.
“It’s as bad as it has ever been,” he said.
“If I had my time back again, I think I would have to think long and hard about going into it.
“It’s no wonder we’re losing the likes of Jamie Carragher, who should be on the training pitch..
“The job of a manager is now bordering on the ridiculous – you can be out in three months.
“I can understand why big players go into the media. When I left Huddersfield, I was offered a huge contract by Sky but a fantastic chairman – Dave Whelan at Wigan – convinced me to stay in management and I’ve been very lucky.
“Some people think that it’s a merry-go-round we all get on and off but that’s not true.
“A lot of younger managers get one chance and it lasts six weeks and then they’re lost.”
Bruce says his wife has questioned why he puts himself through the day-to-day rigours of running a team, but added: “We’re well rewarded for it and I certainly can’t complain.”