EXCLUSIVE: Steve Bruce Addresses Speculation Around Ireland Job

Here at BoyleSports we sat down for an exclusive interview with Steve Bruce, who is ‘itching to get back into management.’

The experienced manager addressed reports linking him to the Republic of Ireland job, is candid on his readiness to get back into management and reflects on never being able to play for Ireland.

Bruce Itching To Get Back Into Management

I’ve had a few offers that have not been right for me. I’ve wanted time out, which I’ve never had before but it’s itching at me now to get back in.

I feel as if I’m ready for the next challenge so let’s see. 

These days there seems to be a preference for younger coaches, which is fair enough. But let’s see what happens.

I’ve had a couple of offers in from the Championship and a couple from League One which I didn’t think I had the enthusiasm to do. I’ve had some offers from abroad which have not been right either, but not Saudi.

I’m hoping to do anything. Can I help a young manager? Can I help a chairman? Can I help an owner? I’ve been out a long time and I like to think if someone asks me a question they’ll get the right answer.

*You can bet on all the latest football action from the Premier League, Championship, League of Ireland and abroad courtesy of BoyleSports football odds.

The Next Rep. of Ireland Manager

The Ireland Job More Appealing Than Club Football?

I wouldn’t say international football appeals to me over club football, but it is something that would appeal to me. Let’s see what happens over the next few weeks.

Would taking Ireland to the 2026 World Cup be one of your biggest achievements?

Taking Ireland to the 2026 World Cup is hypothetical as, first of all, I’d need to get the job.

I need to impress them enough that I’m the right man for them and that I could turn some results around. 

But let’s see who Ireland will look for next.

*Steve Bruce is 33/1 to be the next Republic of Ireland Manager according to the latest football betting odds at BoyleSports.

Credentials Of Other Managers Linked To The Ireland Job

I’ve been a big admirer of Neil Lennon for years.

Poyet is an interesting one. I also see Lee Carsley linked. There have probably been 25 people linked!

Let’s see what the Irish FA will come up with and who their chosen one is. I would think that would be in the next couple of weeks.

Bruce On Sir Alex Stopping Him Playing For Ireland

I understood Sir Alex Ferguson’s position because back then I would have been ‘foreign’. You could only have so many foreign players and all of a sudden I would have been a foreign player.

It was nipped in the bud before it really took off. But I still remember the phone call with Jack Charlton to go and play in the USA in 1994.

With the results they had, that would have been great. It was obviously not going to happen with England, so to represent the birthplace of my mother would have been terrific but it didn’t happen.

I understand it. Would I have loved to have played in a World Cup? Of course I would have, who wouldn’t? But I wouldn’t say it’s a regret. I understand the decision. Paul McGrath was sensational so I might not have got in the team anyway.

Should Caoimhin Kelleher Look For Transfer Move

Kelleher is playing games in cups and he seems to be getting minutes there.

He’s only young but I suppose in time he’ll need to look.

It reminds me of Steve Harper at Newcastle. He was such a good goalkeeper but didn’t play a lot when they had Shay Given. His love for Newcastle was so big he didn’t ever want to leave but he was an extremely talented goalkeeper.

Goalkeepers get better with age so he has a long time. He’s certainly a very good goalkeeper.

Conor Bradley A ‘Top, Top Player’

We didn’t see Conor Bradley after the devastating news about his father. We saw at Bolton that the kid is a very good player.

Liverpool have got themselves what looks to be another outstanding young player. He looks like he has the whole lot, he carries himself well and certainly against Chelsea it didn’t phase him at all. Fair play to him. He looks like a top, top player.