Blades nearly cut down Bruce
STEVE BRUCE knows that he owes Sheffield United for launching his managerial career 21 years ago.
But he admits his Bramall Lane experiences almost led to him turning his back on football.
Bruce has found it tough succeeding Rafa Benitez at Newcastle but he describes the Magpies as “a cakewalk” compared to the Blades.
“The uncertainty above me wasn’t easy,” he said. “I had five chief executives in a year.
“I remember Dean Saunders whistling down the corridor with his bags an hour before we were leaving to play Bristol City. He said, ‘Has no one told you? I signed for Benfica 20 minutes ago’.
“I knew nothing about it but didn’t know who to call to rant and rave. That gives you an idea of what it was like.”
Blades boss Chris Wilder was one of Bruce’s players then and the pair talk regularly.
He added: “Over summer, Chris was asking about getting to the Premier League and some personal stuff.
“Before I knew it, I was seeking advice off him. I am delighted for him.”
Wilder has urged Newcastle fans to get behind Bruce, saying: “You don’t get jobs in the Premier League and then stay there if you are bang average. And Steve isn’t bang average, either as a manager
or a person.”