Blackpool boss Steve Bruce to miss Barnsley clash after tragic family death

The former Newcastle boss will not be present for the weekend's game following the loss of his baby grandson.

Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce will miss Blackpool’s clash with Barnsley on Saturday afternoon after the tragic death of his baby grandson, the club have confirmed.

Bruce returned to management last month after almost two years out of the game. He joined League One side Blackpool and has won four of his seven games in charge of the club so far.

The Seasiders host Barnsley at Bloomfield Road on Saturday (3pm kick-off), but the club have confirmed that Bruce won’t be in attendance due to the family tragedy. They released a club statement on Friday night.

“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,” it read. ”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.”

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Several of Blackpool's rivals have taken to social media to send their condolences to the manager and his family in the replies. Birmingham City wrote: ”Everyone at Blues sends their love and support to our former boss and his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

While the EFL’s official account replied with: “Everyone at the EFL sends their love and support to Steve and his family at this incredibly difficult time.”

After the match against Barnsley, Blackpool travel to take on Peterborough United on Tuesday. If Bruce will be on the sidelines for that game is unknown with the manager given time to spend with his family after the sad loss.