Missed Opportunity for Steve Bruce as Dream Job Goes to Manchester United Coach
In a surprising turn of events, former Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce has missed out on a highly sought-after position. According to recent reports, the role has been awarded to a coach from Manchester United.
Steve Bruce, 63, has also managed clubs such as Sheffield United and Newcastle United. He was in charge of Sheffield Wednesday for 18 matches in 2019 before his controversial departure to manage his boyhood club, Newcastle United. His most recent managerial stint was with West Bromwich Albion, which ended in October 2022. Recently, Bruce had been in talks with the Jamaican national team, aiming for a return to management with hopes of leading them to World Cup qualification.
However, the position was given to Steve McClaren, the former manager of England. McClaren’s last managerial role was with QPR in 2019, but he has since held senior coaching roles at Derby County and Manchester United. His return to international management follows his tenure as England manager from 2006 to 2007, which ended after a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Croatia, preventing England’s qualification for Euro 2008.
McClaren’s new role will involve overseeing the international career of Wednesday defender Di’Shon Bernard, whom he briefly worked with at Old Trafford. Bernard is seen as a promising talent, starting every game for his country at the Copa America earlier this summer.
“I am extremely proud and excited to take up the position of Head Coach for The Jamaica Men’s National Team,” McClaren said in a statement confirming his appointment. “I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career. Prior to returning to Manchester United for a second spell, I spent time at FIFA as a Technical Advisor on their Global Eco Analysis project. Jamaica was one of the teams I worked with, and I quickly came to realize the country’s potential. In the years since, that potential has grown significantly, and there is every reason to believe that with continued hard work and development, a bright future lies ahead.”
As McClaren steps into this new role, the spotlight will be on his ability to harness Jamaica’s growing potential and lead the team to future successes. At the same time, Bruce continues to seek his next opportunity in football management.
