Steve Bruce - officially confirmed (as Sheffield Wednesday boss)

[Matt Collins]

Looking at events since Steve Bruce came in, he inherited a total mess where if not handled correctly could have seen us drop through the trap door to Div 1. He has stuck to his job despite criticism from a few quarters. His Signing & persuasion to get John Terry here was superb, he has bought in other experienced players to help our promotion push Snodgrass being major. The whole club appears to have now shaken off the last 4 - 5 years disappointment, so well done Steve Bruce
and here's hoping for an automatic promotion place

I’d agree to a point, however we do not know whether he had any involvement in the Terry signing; I expect he did, but it is not clear. Also, he is prone to throwing his toys out at any hint of criticism or suggestion of error: good managers roll with that and let their team do the talking.
His poor record in the Premier League is possibly partly to do with him being relatively thin-skinned when things aren’t going that well. And, his tactical limitations.

We signed Terry after Bruce nabbed him on the golf course in Portugal

He’s never managed a club in the premier league that you’d expect to do well

[Ads]

But got clubs like Wigan, Sunderland, Small Heath and Hull mid-table.

Why does he have a bad top flight record?

[Steve67]

Given the clubs he’s managed in the top flight I’d say he did well. Look where they are now.

[Ads]

One in the third division and the over three on their way there. Bruceball indeed.

[Damo70]

But got clubs like Wigan, Sunderland, Small Heath and Hull mid-table.

Why does he have a bad top flight record?

Small Heath - 13th, 10th, 12th, relegated
Wigan 14th, 11th
Sunderland 13th, 10th, 13th
Hull 16th, relegated

Given that his managerial career has been a mixture of promotions, seasons of survival and relegations you could spin it either way. Those who are for him will point out the promotions and mid table finishes with clubs who have traditionally never been particularly successful in the top flight. Those who are against him will focus on the relegations.

[Bad English]

To be fair, I'd be quite happy if he got us 13th in the Premier League next year. It would be quite stunning.

[paul_e]

But got clubs like Wigan, Sunderland, Small Heath and Hull mid-table.

Why does he have a bad top flight record?

Small Heath - 13th, 10th, 12th, relegated
Wigan 14th, 11th
Sunderland 13th, 10th, 13th
Hull 16th, relegated

Given that his managerial career has been a mixture of promotions, seasons of survival and relegations you could spin it either way. Those who are for him will point out the promotions and mid table finishes with clubs who have traditionally never been particularly successful in the top flight. Those who are against him will focus on the relegations.

Going back to the discusison on the other Bruce thread what I'd like to see alongside this is how much money he spent in each of those seasons.

[Toronto Villa]

Sad news that Bruce’s dad passed away. He’s taken a few days off.

[Risso]

Sad news that Bruce’s dad passed away. He’s taken a few days off.

Ah, is that what the issue has been?  I thought somebody said his mum was ill.  Anyway, best wishes to him and his family at this sad time.

[darren woolley]

Sad news for him my condolences to his family.

[Clampy]

Sad news that Bruce’s dad passed away. He’s taken a few days off.

Ah, is that what the issue has been?  I thought somebody said his mum was ill.  Anyway, best wishes to him and his family at this sad time.

His mom is ill as well, in hospital apparently.

[dave shelley]

A double whammy for him.  I would imagine the stress he's feeling at the moment is pretty heavy.  Condolences to him, his family and friends.

[Risso]

Sad news that Bruce’s dad passed away. He’s taken a few days off.

Ah, is that what the issue has been?  I thought somebody said his mum was ill.  Anyway, best wishes to him and his family at this sad time.

His mom is ill as well, in hospital apparently.

Thanks Clampy, sounds like a hard time all round for the Bruce family.

[AsTallAsLions]

That's awful. RIP.

[Damo70]

But got clubs like Wigan, Sunderland, Small Heath and Hull mid-table.

Why does he have a bad top flight record?

Small Heath - 13th, 10th, 12th, relegated
Wigan 14th, 11th
Sunderland 13th, 10th, 13th
Hull 16th, relegated

Given that his managerial career has been a mixture of promotions, seasons of survival and relegations you could spin it either way. Those who are for him will point out the promotions and mid table finishes with clubs who have traditionally never been particularly successful in the top flight. Those who are against him will focus on the relegations.

Going back to the discusison on the other Bruce thread what I'd like to see alongside this is how much money he spent in each of those seasons.

I think the only time he spent quite big money might have been the season at Small Heath when they had had a season or two in the top flight and he splashed out on the likes of Nicky Butt and Muzzy Izzet (there were others but I can't remember off hand). They ended up having awful luck with injuries (some of them long term). Then Portsmouth under 'Arry, who had looked dead and buried had a phenomenal run towards to end of the season to stay up at Small Heath's expense.