Steve Bruce - officially confirmed (as Sheffield Wednesday boss)

[PeterWithesShin]

Steve Bruce has defended his decision to delay starting work as Sheffield Wednesday manager, insisting it had been done with the club’s blessing and was due to health concerns.

Bruce, who was heavily criticised for taking the time off by BBC pundits Danny Murphy and Ruud Gullit on Sunday during coverage of Wednesday’s FA Cup tie against Chelsea, has had two operations since leaving Aston Villa in October and needed time to recuperate before he returned to the stress and strain of day-to-day management.

The former Manchester United captain, who has been in Barbados following the second round of surgery, had also promised his family that he would take a break after the trauma of losing both parents, in quick succession last year, took a huge toll.

However, the 58-year-old did not hide anything from Wednesday when discussing whether he would replace Jos Luhukay and, although his appointment was announced at the start of the month, his new employers were happy to for him to begin when he was fit and ready.

“I have had two operations and I’ve been recovering in Barbados,” Bruce told Telegraph Sport. “I did not hide anything from Sheffield Wednesday and they were perfectly happy with the plan. It was done with their full support.

“I wouldn’t have taken the job if they were not aware of the situation and what I needed to have done. I was completely open and honest with them when we talked about me taking the job. It is extremely disappointing that people have tried to make something negative out of it.

“People also have to realise that I had an extremely tough year in 2018, losing both my parents and I’d promised those close to me that I’d take a break. It took a lot out of me emotionally, it really did, and this is something I needed to do.”

It is also understood that Bruce was unable to begin a new job because of the terms of his severance package from Aston Villa. He had not intended to even look for work, but was approached by Wednesday before Christmas and was persuaded to accept their offer by owner Dejphon Chansiri.

“The fact I’ve also had surgery and was in not a condition to start work immediately, meant I postponed my first day as Sheffield Wednesday’s manager,” Bruce continued. “But that does not mean I’m not excited about starting. I’m fit and I’m raring to go.

“I don’t want this to drag on and on. I don’t want to be answering questions about this in the days and weeks to come. What I’ve had done in terms of my operations is also a private matter. I hope people can understand what has happened and can let me concentrate on managing the team. That is all I’m thinking about. I can’t wait to get started now.”

Bruce, who left his coaches Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence in charge of the team while he has been in the Caribbean, spent much of last week watching the England cricket team lose to the West Indies. But he was more than just a spectator.

“They may have lost the first Test but being able to speak to the coaching staff, learn about how they do things and the way they prepare, that can only be useful to me as a manager,” he added. “It’s a different sport but they have been extremely successful over the last few years and I wanted to tap into that.”

Bruce, who has previously managed three other Yorkshire clubs, including Sheffield United, will take charge of the Wednesday team for the first time when they travel to Ipswich Town on Saturday.

[dave.woodhall]

Whatever his merits or otherwise as a manager, I can't see much wrong in someone putting themselves and their family first after the most traumatic twelve months of their life.

[VILLA MOLE]

Whatever his merits or otherwise as a manager, I can't see much wrong in someone putting themselves and their family first after the most traumatic twelve months of their life.

yes also Wednesday agreed to all this

[Steve67]

Very true Dave.  I think he did a poor job at Villa and somehow manages to fall on his feet, however, I wish him no ill and fully recognise his losses as highly traumatic.

[PeterWithesShin]

I'd agree if the break wasn't exactly how long it appears he had to wait before he could start at another club.

[Clampy]

Whatever his merits or otherwise as a manager, I can't see much wrong in someone putting themselves and their family first after the most traumatic twelve months of their life.

Agree entirely.

[Chinchilla Bathhouse]

I'm more intrigued with the news that he's been picking up tips from the England cricket coaches. Am now very much looking forward to seeing Forestieri playing at silly mid off.

[Ian.]

Whatever his merits or otherwise as a manager, I can't see much wrong in someone putting themselves and their family first after the most traumatic twelve months of their life.

Agree entirely.

Absolutely.

[Lastfootstamper]

Whatever his merits or otherwise as a manager, I can't see much wrong in someone putting themselves and their family first after the most traumatic twelve months of their life.

Then why didn't he walk away at the time? Why wait?

[dave.woodhall]

Whatever his merits or otherwise as a manager, I can't see much wrong in someone putting themselves and their family first after the most traumatic twelve months of their life.

Then why didn't he walk away at the time? Why wait?

Possibly because part of the trauma was down to losing his job. 

[hilts_coolerking]

I'm more intrigued with the news that he's been picking up tips from the England cricket coaches.

He'll probably play three goalkeepers.

[luke95]

Whatever his merits or otherwise as a manager, I can't see much wrong in someone putting themselves and their family first after the most traumatic twelve months of their life.

Then why didn't he walk away at the time? Why wait?

Possibly because part of the trauma was down to losing his job. 

Or more likely wouldve cost him heavily financially.

Him losing his job was probably the least stressful thing of his last 18 months or so

[Sexual Ealing]

Whatever his merits or otherwise as a manager, I can't see much wrong in someone putting themselves and their family first after the most traumatic twelve months of their life.

Then why didn't he walk away at the time? Why wait?

Possibly because part of the trauma was down to losing his job. 

Or more likely wouldve cost him heavily financially.

Him losing his job was probably the least stressful thing of his last 18 months or so

I was no fan of him as a manager here, but even if it was partly a financial consideration, so what? I'd do the same in his position, and I'd do it with a clear conscience. Both parties signed the contract.

[ktvillan]

Sounds like he wasn't exactly in a hurry to get another job but Wednesday owner wanted him and persuaded him.  He told them they'd have to wait because he'd made plans.  I think that's fair enough, especially after the year he'd had.

[aj2k77]

He's fucking rubbish.