STEVE BRUCE was inspired to get back into management by going to watch League Two games at Salford City.
The 63-year-old had been out of work since being sacked by West Brom in October 2022.
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Bruce’s son, Alex, works as a first-team coach for the Ammies, while son-in-law Matt Smith used to lead the line for them.
The three-time Premier League winner has further connections at Salford with their Class of ’92 owners — who were his Old Trafford team-mates.
And after Blackpool’s last-gasp 2-1 against Exeter, new Tangerines head coach Bruce said: “I enjoy the lower leagues.
“I’ve seen more of Salford than I have of Man United in the last 18 months, for one reason or another.
“I started in the lower divisions, it doesn’t faze me at all.
“I like the honesty of it and that’ll never change.”
Despite managing 476 Premier League games, the sixth most in the competition’s history, Bruce decided to take the reins at the League One Seasiders.
He also has connections at Bloomfield Road and admitted that played a part in his decision to manage them.
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Bruce added: “The opportunity came when I got the phone call off David Downes, who is the director of football.
“I knew David, I promoted him at Aston Villa and took him to Sheffield Wednesday, so I know he’s a good man.
“I know the chief scout, who I gave an opportunity to at Hull 15 years ago. When I met the owner, I thought, ‘Why not?’.
“I’ve missed it, I wanted to go back to work.
“Geographically wise, it’s good for me — I’m home in under an hour.”
CJ Hamilton scored the first goal of the Bruce era on 19 minutes as his side dominated the first half.
Exeter grew into the game and levelled through Ed Francis’ 88th-minute free-kick.
But Blackpool kept going and captain James Husband headed home four minutes into stoppage time.
Grecians boss Gary Caldwell said: “Football teaches you lessons every single day of every week.
“There’s highs and lows but I’m confident in this group of players.
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“We invited pressure when we should have been the team inviting momentum on to Blackpool.
“It’s a learning curve the players need to go through — and it’s my job to help them do that.”
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