The 63-year-old has been out of management since his 2022 departure from West Bromwich Albion.
According to Football Insider, Steve Bruce is considering returning to lead Birmingham City.
Bruce, who has not managed since leaving West Brom in October 2022, appears to be ready to return to the Midlands.
Gary Rowett, the interim manager at St. Andrew’s, is not expected to be handed a permanent contract beyond this summer.
Tony Mowbray’s future as Blues manager remains uncertain, as he has yet to resume his post after leaving earlier this season due to health issues.
These occurrences have raised the question of who will be in command of Birmingham City in the 2024/25 season. Now it looks that Bruce, who knows everything about the club, has stepped forward to offer his services.
Bruce wants to return to Birmingham.
Blues will begin next season playing League One football, a place in which the club – under new and ambitious US ownership – will have little intention in getting familiar with.
An experienced figure may be the best option for City, as they look for a tried and tested formula to achieve an instant return to the Championship.
Bruce fits that mould, and he’s proven he can win promotion with Birmingham in the past, and he has made his feelings known to the Blues board that he is interested in reprising his role in the St. Andrews technical area almost two decades after he left it.
| Steve Bruce Birmingham City record, per TransferMarkt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Season | League | Finish |
| 06/07 | Championship | 2 |
| 05/06 | Premier League | 18 |
| 04/05 | Premier League | 12 |
| 03/04 | Premier League | 10 |
| 02/03 | Premier League | 13 |
| 01/02 | Championship | 5th |
The 63-year-old managed Blues from 2001 to 2007, and he also wore the royal blue colours from 1996 to 1998.
In 2007, Wigan Athletic paid a then-world record compensation sum of £3 million for his departure from Birmingham as manager.
How Steve Bruce has fared since leaving Blues
Bruce’s career has been up and down, with varied results at several English football clubs.
Following his departure from Birmingham, he achieved mid-table Premier League finishes at Wigan Athletic and Sunderland.
Bruce, on the other hand, can boast of numerous Championship promotions, having been promoted twice with Hull City.
Bruce’s success has been limited in recent years, as he was fired from both Newcastle and West Brom in 2022. The Baggies are currently ranked third bottom in the Championship.
Would it be a smart move for Blues?
Clearly, this summer will be a time of tremendous upheaval and transition for Birmingham, and when these periods occur at a football club, a manager with experience and know-how is essential to steady the ship.
It is likely an understatement to say that Blues ownership did not want or anticipate Championship relegation in their first season in control, and a lengthy stay in League One is surely not on the agenda.
As a result, a person like Bruce, who is respected not only for his illustrious playing career, but also for his proven track record of EFL promotions, could be Birmingham’s best option to take over next season.
He will undoubtedly have a large network of contacts to call on for new recruits, as well as gravity and respect throughout English football.
This might be a great coup for Birmingham, and if they make an immediate return to the second division, there should be no doubts about Bruce’s ability to propel the club further.
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