Steve Bruce is back in football management with the League One club Blackpool. Bruce has signed a two-year contract to replace Neil Critchley, who was sacked in August after opening the current campaign with successive defeats. The 63-year-old former Manchester United defender left his most recent role at West Brom in October 2022, just eight months into an 18-month contract. Bruce has enjoyed a long managerial career, working for clubs including Birmingham City, Hull City, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle United. “I’m delighted to be back in football and to take charge of this fantastic football club,” Bruce said. “I look forward to meeting all of the staff and players in the coming days as we prepare for what we all hope will be an exciting season at Bloomfield Road.” Bruce’s long-term assistant Steve Agnew will join him at Bloomfield Road, along with the coaches Richard Keogh, Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks. He will have to wait until 14 September to take charge of his new side for the first time, when they face Exeter at home.