"They ridiculed me, like Harry Maguire” ⚽ Steve Bruce | Up Front

When me and my mate were about 11 in 1995 during the summer holidays, we walked down to Bramhall in Stockport to knock on Steves house to ask for his autograph. He answered the door and we got chatting, after 2 minutes or so, he invited us both inside for a brew. We walked through into his back garden where the three of us sat for about an hour talking about everything United. As we were about to leave, he told us to hang about a second, as he wanted us to meet his 'mate next door' He shouted over his fence for Peter. And about 20 seconds later, Peter Schmeichel bobbed his head over the fence and invited us through into his, sat in Peter Schmeichels conservatory for a further 45 minutes talking everything United. Both true gentlemen. One of the most memorable childhood memories of mine, we both very much appreciated the time they took out for us. Still have their autographs too!

A bloke I used to work for at the NEC, Blues fan, had an incurable disease. His best mate was decorating Steve Bruce's house, then Blues manager, asked Bruce for a signed shirt. He told Bruce about his mate and Bruce said he'd go and meet him. He went round, had an evening meal there and stopped till the early hours talking to him and his Blues mad family. Top man. 😎

Just a reminder that Steve Bruce scored 19 goals in the 1990-91 season from centre back

I have nothing but admiration for Steve Bruce. The amount of crap he's received is nothing but shameful. A proper bloke and a good honest man.

Bruce was not an 'average' defender by any stretch. An absolute rock of a defender.

What a fantastic interview. Steve came across as a lovely man and humble. I've never seen this side of him , probably because I've never supported any of the teams he's been involved in but only ever saw the ridicule. Great to see this side of him.

He is loved, here in Hull. Two promotions and an FA Cup Final. Made some astute signings. Our best years were with Brucey at the helm.

As a hull city fan of 30 years thanks Steve for some of the best times following my club 2 promotions and an fa cup final

Met him first at Gillingham, lovely lad, met him again when he was at Utd, absolute diamond. One of the real good guys.

As a Newcastle fan for over 30 years, it disappointed me how a section of our fans treated Bruce. It was just bullying, plain and simple. The situation at the club was like it was: we all know the problems under Ashley and his culture of underinvestment, but those problems existed long before Bruce was manager. Ashley was to blame for the difficult situation the club was in, no one else. Bruce got the opportunity to manage a club he loves, why wouldn't he have taken it?!, he did what he could under difficult circumstances and it didn't work out. We played crap football but some of the criticism is over the top: we didn't get relegated, no harm done. Steve has my respect and I genuinely thank him for his efforts: he showed a lot of courage and dignity under pressure in those difficult times and I think how ASM thanked him when Steve left the club says a lot about the man.

I watched Steve as a 17 year old and then for 6 years at the Gills. His commitment and quality was exceptional and we couldn’t understand why it took so long for a big club to come in for him. I have followed his career as a Steve Bruce fan and he deserves everything and more than what he has achieved by optimizing his talent. He is a fantastic example for any upcoming sportsman who would learn a lot by watching this interview. Good on ya Steve !!!

This is the best one yet. Amazing genuine chemistry between Simon and Steve. You can tell Simon has a soft spot for him despite the ‘let down’ at Palace

Extremely nice guy Steve Bruce and when you hear his side of the story then it puts his tenure at the clubs he has managed ! Best of luck for the future Steve !! (West Ham fan)

What a great lad Brucie is?! I’d have pint with him and spend hours listening to him. Great guy

This man was massively important to Manchester United he was huge leader on and off the pitch defended with his life scored lots of goals and important ones at that. I will always be thankful for the effort and blood he gave for us

I'm a Villa fan. I'd like to say thanks to Steve Bruce. He steadied us when we were a sinking ship and got us moving in the right direction and bought our current captain for £2.5 million. He deserved better as his time at Villa ended.

I grew up on watching Blues during Brucey’s era. The Play Off Final win, Promotions, Doubles over Villa, the brilliance of Christophe Dugarry etc. They were great days at St Andrew’s. Will always have a soft spot of Steve because of this. Enjoyed the interview.

A proper captain. United legend.

First time I saw him play on my first visit to Old Trafford was against Sheffield Wednesday 1993 during title run-in and he scored both goals with headers, the second & the winner being 96th minute and Old Trafford erupted. The ground was only 45,000 back then & the noise was unreal. Quality centre back & formed great partnership with Gary Pallister.

I loved Steve Bruce as a Man United fan. As a manager, ge was a mercenary joke for every club.