Steve Bruce: I almost quit management after Aston Villa axe

The 58-year-old will take take charge of Sheffield Wednesday next week, nearly a month after his appointment was announced.

Bruce is currently in the Caribbean, watching the England cricket team, as part of a holiday he promised to his family, following a difficult 2018 in which he lost both parents.

He was axed by Villa in October, five months after missing out on promotion in the play-off final.

Bruce admits he considered calling time on a two-decade managerial career, before getting the call from the Owls.

He told Test Match Special: “Football management nowadays is a really tough gig, but it’s in you to do it. It’s that little drug.

“I thought long and hard about whether I want to do it again, but a phone call was made and before I know it I’m back on the wagon again.”

Bruce was dismissed after a run of just one win in nine matches, with Villa sitting 12th in the Championship table.

He continued: “It’s always difficult (getting the sack). But I needed the break. Sometimes you look at yourself and think ‘what have I done wrong?’ when you get the sack. Doesn’t matter whether you’re Steve Bruce or yourself, when you get the sack it hurts you.

“But you dust yourself down, get a bit of time and thankfully Sheffield Wednesday have given me this great opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”

Bruce’s assistants, Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence, have been in caretaker charge at Hillsborough since early January.

“I’ve had a bit of family time and it was agreed I’d take over on February 1,” said Bruce. “It was a tough year for me with the family situation.

“It was vitally important that I spent a bit of time with them. But I’m looking forward to getting back started, it’s been a wonderful experience.”