Steve Bruce to miss Blackpool match after death of four-month-old grandson

Bruce will be absent for the home match against Barnsley.

Steve Bruce has won four of his six league matches in charge of Blackpool. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA

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.

The Tangerines are currently 10th in the table.

Millwall sent "unconditional love and support" to their former striker Matt Smith, who is Madison's father and Bruce's son-in-law.