Steve Bruce On Sir Alex Ferguson’s Love For Horse Racing

It is no secret that Sir Alex Ferguson is a massive fan of horse racing and we got the inside scoop on Ferguson’s love for horse racing with Steve Bruce.

As part of an exclusive interview with BoyleSports, Bruce discussed a diverse range of topics from Sir Alex Ferguson’s passion for horse racing to his verdict on a potential Xabi Alonso and Liverpool reunion plus Wayne Rooney’s career prospects.

Bruce also weighs in on the situation at Crystal Palace, rubbishes the idea of pressure on Eddie Howe at Newcastle and chats about West Brom’s promotion hopes.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Love Of Horse Racing

Ferguson’s Investment In Caldwell Potter

Sir Alex Ferguson spending €740,000 on a horse doesn’t surprise me! He loves his horse racing and he’s shown that over the years.

Now he’s invested in horses. It’s a big passion and hobby of his.

*Caldwell Potter is 8/1 to win the Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival according to the latest Cheltenham odds at BoyleSports.

Going To The Races At Man United?

Sir Alex Ferguson wasn’t overly keen on attending race courses at the time, which was typical of him because he wanted you to do the right thing.

Even a trip to the races was something he was always sceptical about because that would have meant a few beers and all the rest of it.

That was the way he was. But since he’s retired, we have seen more and more of his horses winning. I’m sure he enjoys it, it’s a big hobby.

As players we didn’t attend any races together. I was never really into them, although I’ve been to a couple of the big ones, Cheltenham and the Grand National. But apart from that it’s not something I’m hugely into.

Horse Racing Fans At Man United

A few of the Man Utd boys liked a bit of racing. Bryan Robson loved it. I wasn’t as keen as to sit and study the Racing Post. But Bryan loved the horses, absolutely loved it.

Mick Channon was the biggest lover of the races I ever came across, he went into training them eventually.

Look how well he’s done, it’s fantastic. There were certain times, especially on a Thursday afternoon, when you should be at home and resting ready for Saturday, not swanning around race courses!

*You can bet on all the Cheltenham Festival action this March with the latest Cheltenham betting odds at BoyleSports.

Xabi Alonso A Good Fit For Liverpool Job

Xabi Alonso was a brilliant player for Liverpool and he looks as if he’s made the jump into management seem seamless. He’s doing incredibly well in Germany. A bit like Mikel Arteta when Arsenal took that jump.

He looks as if he’s handled the position very well, certainly by results anyway. He knows the club and it seems a very decent fit.

But the people in charge have a big decision to make and it would not surprise me if it was Alonso at all. He seems like a very cool customer.

*Xabi Alonso is the 4/7 favourite to be the next Liverpool Manager per the latest football odds at BoyleSports.

Interest In The Crystal Palace Job With Hodgson Under Pressure?

I wasn’t at Crystal Palace very long. I hate talking about jobs when somebody is there like Roy, given the respected figure that he is.

Unfortunately at the moment, especially when you get beaten by your local rivals and have a heavy defeat you are going to be under pressure.

But certainly I would not want to be throwing my hat into any ring off the back of that because I have too much respect for Roy. He is someone we should all look up to and admire for what he has done.

He’ll get them out of trouble, I’m convinced of that. I think they need their big players to be fit.

When they are, it’s okay, when they’re not, it’s like anyone else and they suffer.

Certainly with the two wide lads not staying fit and losing Zaha, you can see the difference it’s made to the team.

I can’t comment on that. I have the utmost respect for Roy. But I am looking to get back in and to see if I can work again.

What Next For Wayne Rooney

You don’t become a great player like Wayne Rooney without something about you. The jobs he’s had have been difficult.

Derby was practically impossible and he did okay under ridiculous circumstances, then he had a difficult job in America. 

Birmingham was a big opportunity for him and it hasn’t gone the way he expected it to, however knowing Wayne he will look for the next opportunity and I don’t think he’ll give up on it, that’s for sure.

Bruce On Newcastle

‘Ridiculous’ For Eddie Howe To Be Under Pressure At Newcastle

I think the idea of Eddie Howe being under pressure is bordering on being ridiculous. He’s had a wonderful time at Newcastle but a bad few months with injuries.

Doesn’t matter who you are, if your big players are not available then it costs you. 

We can look at them all. Wilson, Barnes, Isak in and out. Howe has had so much to deal with and it’s ridiculous if people think he should be under pressure.

Potential Guimaraes Sale Due To FFP

Bruno Guimaraes could play in any team in the world. He’s a very, very good footballer. He handles the ball so well and I think he could play for anyone. He’s a talent of the highest order.

Certainly you would not want to sell him, but this FFP thing now shows teams have to adhere to these rules.

Any witness to that has been this January, where nobody has spent anything, almost. I think everyone has knuckled down to abide by the rules.

West Brom’s Chances of Premier League Promotion

West Brom have a chance to go up. I still think they have a lot to do to catch the teams in front of them but I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish in the playoffs.

They have been around there for years and haven’t quite made it. It will be an interesting time. Who knows? They have a chance. It’s never a two-horse race in the Championship, it’s always an even contest and they have as good a chance as anyone of finishing in that top six.