Alex Bruce appointed Manager of Northern Premier League side Macclesfield
- The UEFA A Licence holder returns to his former club to take the reins as manager
Former professional footballer Alex Bruce has been appointed manager of Northern Premier League side Macclesfield.
The 39-year-old — who is the son of legendary Manchester United defender Steve Bruce — was quick to display footballing talent in his early career. His professional career began in 2004 with his signing to Blackburn Rovers and over the years, Bruce played for several clubs in the English Football League, including Ipswich Town, Hull City, Huddersfield Town, and Wigan Athletic. His final playing contract was with Macclesfield, where he now takes the reins as manager.
Bruce’s ability to excel in various defensive positions allowed him to flourish in a range of tactical systems under different managers and in various divisions of English football. He played a key role in Hull City’s 2012-2013 season, helping the club earn promotion to the Premier League. At the international level, Bruce has been capped for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
A UEFA A Licence holder and Pro Licence candidate, Bruce joined West Bromwich Albion as first-team assistant coach after hanging up his boots in 2022. The ex-centre-back has also honed his talent identification and recruitment skills as a scout and match analyst with Newcastle United.
Bruce’s new role at Macclesfield sees him team up with former Manchester United and Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley, who has taken up the role of assistant manager. Paul McGuinness — who was Manchester United’s Academy Manager for 23 years — joins as head coach, and Peter Band remains at the club as first-team coach.
Speaking to the club’s website, Robbie Savage (Director of Football at Macclesfield) commented in part:
“The ethos and the morals and the principles which we want to integrate into the football club are vital going forward. Alex with his coaching experience at West Brom dealing with first-team players and his ability to handle a squad.
“This is an amazing opportunity for Alex who has got all his badges, assisted by Phil Bardsley who recently finished playing in the Premier League at Burnley.
“To have the amount of knowledge that Alex, Paul, Phil, and Dan boast, it is a major incentive for any young footballer looking to develop and we are delighted that they are on board at Macclesfield Football Club.”
Macclesfield currently sits sixth in the Northern Premier League table. Bruce’s side will take on eleventh-place Whitby Town at home on Saturday 11th November.
