Old Norwich City favourite Steve Bruce is back in football management after being appointed as head coach of League One side Blackpool. 

Bruce, 63, is the Tangerines' surprise choice to succeed Neil Critchley in the Bloomfield Road hot seat, signing a two-year deal alongside long-term assistant Steve Agnew. 

He was most recently in charge of Championship side West Brom before being dismissed in October 2022. Bruce has been out of management ever since, although was heavily linked with the Jamaica national team vacancy that eventually went to ex-England boss Steve McLaren. 

Bruce made 180 appearances for the Canaries in the mid-80s before leaving to join Manchester United for £900k. He famously netted a last-gasp winner against Ipswich in the Milk Cup semi final in 1985 on City's way to winning the trophy. 

The experienced football man went on to forge a career in management after his playing days, managing a host of clubs, including Sunderland, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Birmingham, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, and Hull City. 

He now takes charge of Blackpool, who are yet to win any of their opening four games of the League One campaign. 

“I’m delighted to be back in football and to take charge of this fantastic football club," Bruce told Blackpool's official channels. 

“I’d like to thank Simon, Julian and David for giving me this great opportunity. 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.”

Owner Simon Sadler believes Bruce's qualities are best placed to help Blackpool improve their fortunes. 

"I'm confident that Steve’s experience and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset for Blackpool Football Club," Sadler said. "His organised approach coupled with his desire to build a hardworking and entertaining side is a large part of what attracted us to him.

Steve Bruce famously scoring for Norwich City against Ipswich Town in the Milk Cup semi final in 1985.Steve Bruce famously scoring for Norwich City against Ipswich Town in the Milk Cup semi final in 1985. (Image: Newsquest)

“Additionally, Steve’s ability to help grow and develop not only our playing staff but also our coaching talent was important to us. Alongside his assistant, Steve Agnew, there is a great opportunity for two of our former players at the early stages of their coaching careers to learn from a duo who possess unrivalled qualities. We hope that this blend will get the very best out of our talented squad.”

Bruce still reflects positively on his playing days at Carrow Road, believing it paved the way for a long and established career in the game. 

"I don't think I'd be sitting here if it wasn't for Ken [Brown] and the way he was towards me," he said in September 2022. "He gave me my big chance by signing me from Gillingham to give the opportunity to play for a club like Norwich in the top league and play with good players. It helped me enormously, giving me that chance."