MU legend Steve Bruce is sacked by EFL club just ELEVEN games into new season

Steve Bruce has been sacked by League One club Blackpool after a disastrous start to the new season at Bloomfield Road.

The Manchester United legend, who has previously coached multiple clubs in the Premier League including Sunderland, Newcastle and and Aston Villa, was relieved of his duties by the Tangerines just 11 games into the League One campaign.

Blackpool went into the season as one of the favourites for promotion but find themselves second from bottom with seven defeats, having only chalked up two wins and two draws so far.

Bruce, 64, was sacked just hours after Blackpool suffered a 2-0 defeat at home against AFC Wimbledon, who moved into fifth place with the victory.

The club confirmed his dismissal in a statement on Saturday, which read: 'Blackpool Football Club can announce the departure of Head Coach Steve Bruce, Assistant Head Coach Steve Agnew and First-Team Coach Stephen Clemence.

'The club would like to thank them for their efforts, and wishes them the very best for the future.

'Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks will take charge of first-team matters until a permanent appointment is confirmed.'

Bruce had spent two years away from the dugout before taking the Tangerines job.

Before joining Blackpool in September last year, replacing Neil Critchley, the former Red Devils defender spent eight months at Championship club West Bromwich Albion in 2022.

Bruce, who has managed over 1,000 games in football, told BBC Radio Lancashire after Saturday's 2-0 defeat to AFC Wimbledon: 'I can try and make as many excuses as I want but it's not in my nature to do it.

'Today we were nowhere near what's required of what we need to be and for that I need to take responsibility.'

The 64-year-old manager, who played over 300 games for Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson's early days at Old Trafford, began his managerial career at Sheffield United an astonishing 27 years ago.

The experienced head coach has never managed outside England however, having represented 13 separate clubs across the top three leagues of professional football.