Newcastle and Sunderland offer support to former manager Steve Bruce after his four-month-old grandson tragically passes away

Newcastle and Sunderland have offered their support to former manager Steve Bruce following the tragic death of his four-month-old grandson Madison.

Bruce is currently the manager of League One side Blackpool, who announced on Friday night that they would miss their match against Barnsley on Saturday due to bereavement.

A statement from Blackpool said: ‘The club can announce that manager Steve Bruce will not be present at tomorrow’s game against Barnsley due to the tragic passing of his four-month-old grandson Madison.

“Everyone at the football club sends their love to Steve and his family. We ask that their privacy is respected as they face this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.’

Matt Smith, Madison’s father and Bruce’s son-in-law, received support from his former clubs on social media.

Steve Bruce’s former clubs offered support after his grandson’s tragic death

Matt Smith’s former clubs showed their ‘unconditional support’ after his son Madison died at four months old

Millwall showed their support for Smith, who represented the club from 2019 to 2022

The former striker, who retired in August, represented a number of clubs during his career, including QPR and Millwall.

Millwall offered their “unconditional love and support”, adding: “We’re with you every step of the way, Smudger.”

QPR delivered a similar message and the club expressed its “deepest condolences, love and support” to Smith and his family.

Sympathies have been extended to Blackpool manager Bruce by his former clubs Newcastle and Sunderland.

‘Incredibly heartbreaking news. Everyone at Newcastle United sends our love and deepest condolences to Steve and his family at such a tragic time,” Newcastle wrote.

Sunderland posted: ‘Incredibly sad news. Sending our thoughts and condolences to Steve and his family at this difficult time.”

Salford City – Smith’s final club of his career – have confirmed that their assistant manager Alex Bruce will not attend this weekend’s match following the death of his nephew.

Blackpool announced on Friday that Bruce will not attend the match against Barnsley

Sunderland and Newcastle responded to the post showing their support for Bruce

Salford City assistant manager Alex Bruce will not attend Saturday’s match

“Salford City announce that assistant manager Alex Bruce will not be present at tomorrow’s game at Crewe Alexandra due to the tragic passing of his four-month-old nephew Madison,” Salford wrote on Friday night.

“Everyone at the football club sends our love and full support to Alex, Matt Smith and the family. We ask that their privacy be respected as they face this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.’

Former Manchester United defender Steve Bruce has won four, drawn one and lost one of his six League One games in charge of Blackpool since succeeding Neil Critchley last month.

The Tangerines are currently 10th in the table with four wins and three defeats after 10 games in the 2024-25 season.