Steve Bruce’s four-month old grandson tragically passes away as Blackpool release emotional statement

Steve Bruce will miss Blackpool‘s clash against Barnsley due to a family bereavement.

Blackpool confirmed their 63-year-old boss, whose former clubs include Birmingham, Hull, Aston Villa and Newcastle, will not be in the dugout on Saturday afternoon following the death of his grandson.

A Blackpool statement said: ‘The club can announce that head coach Steve Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture against Barnsley due to the tragic passing of his four-month-old grandson Madison.

‘Everyone at the football club send their love to Steve and his family. We ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.’

Former Manchester United defender Bruce has won four, drawn one and lost one of his six League One games in charge of Blackpool since succeeding Neil Critchley last month.

Steve Bruce’s grandson Madison has tragically passed away at the age of four months

Madison’s father and Bruce’s son, Alex (right), will be absent from Salford City’s clash with Crewe Alexandra 

The Tangerines are currently 10th in the table, with four wins and three defeats after 10 games of the 2024-25 season. 

Madison’s father and Bruce’s son, Alex, is the current assistant manager at Salford City and will also be absent for this weekend’s game, the club have announced. 

‘Salford City announces that Assistant Manager Alex Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture away at Crewe Alexandra due to the tragic passing of his four-month old nephew, Madison,’ the club wrote on X. 

‘All at the football club send our love and full support to Alex, Matt Smith and the family. We request that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family