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

Steve Bruce will miss Blackpool's conflict against Barnsley owed to a family bereavement.

Blackpool confirmed their 63-year-old boss, whose erstwhile clubs see Birmingham, Hull, Aston Villa and Newcastle, will not beryllium successful nan dugout connected Saturday day pursuing nan decease of his grandson.

A Blackpool connection said: 'The nine tin denote that caput coach Steve Bruce will not beryllium successful attendance astatine tomorrow's fixture against Barnsley owed to nan tragic passing of his four-month-old grandson Madison.

'Everyone astatine nan shot nine nonstop their emotion to Steve and his family. We inquire that their privateness is respected arsenic they travel to position pinch this abrupt and unexpected nonaccomplishment successful their family.'

Former Manchester United defender Bruce has won four, drawn 1 and mislaid 1 of his six League One games successful complaint of Blackpool since succeeding Neil Critchley past month.

The Tangerines are presently 10th successful nan table, pinch 4 wins and 3 defeats aft 10 games of nan 2024-25 season. 

Madison's begetter and Bruce's son, Alex, is nan existent adjunct head astatine Salford City and will besides beryllium absent for this weekend's game, nan nine person announced. 

'Salford City announces that Assistant Manager Alex Bruce will not beryllium successful attendance astatine tomorrow’s fixture distant astatine Crewe Alexandra owed to nan tragic passing of his four-month aged nephew, Madison,' nan nine wrote connected X. 

'All astatine nan shot nine nonstop our emotion and afloat support to Alex, Matt Smith and nan family. We petition that their privateness is respected arsenic they travel to position pinch this abrupt and unexpected nonaccomplishment successful their family.'