Steve Bruce to miss Blackpool game after his baby grandson tragically dies

The Tangerines' gaffer is mourning the death of his four-month-old grandson.

Steve Bruce will not manage Blackpool this weekend after the devastating death of his four-month-old grandson.

The ex-Manchester United defender was appointed as the Tangerines’ new manager last month. However, he won't be on the bench for their EFL fixture tomorrow against Barnsley at Bloomfield Road.

A statement from Blackpool on Friday evening read: “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, reports the Mirror.

“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.”

A statement from the EFL sent Bruce a message of support. It read: “Everyone at the EFL sends their love and support to Steve and his family at this incredibly difficult time.”

A number of clubs also offered Bruce their condolences. Replying to Blackpool's announcement, his former sideBirminghamwrote: "Everyone at Blues sends their love and support to our former boss and his family and friends at this extremely difficult time."

Another of his old clubs West Bromwich Albion added: "Everybody at West Bromwich Albion sends their condolences, thoughts and love to Steve Bruce’s family at this desperately sad time."

Millwall wrote: "Everyone at Millwall Football Club sends their love and condolences to Steve’s family at this very sad time," while Preston North End also said: "Devastating news. Sending our thoughts and condolences to Steve and his family at this incredibly difficult time."

Bruce, now 63, was appointed as Blackpool boss on September 3 after they sacked Neil Critchley. The former Premier League champion has so far overseen seven games in all competitions, losing just two games.

His club currently sit tenth in League One ahead of Saturday's clash with Barnsley. After that, Blackpool come up against Peterborough United at London Road on Tuesday evening.

The job at Blackpool is Bruce's 13th in his senior managerial career. In that time, he has managed over 1,000 professional games. He started his career with Sheffield United and has masterminded four promotions to the Premier League - twice each with Birmingham and Hull.

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