Newcastle and Sunderland offer support to former boss 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 he would miss their match against Barnsley on Saturday due to the bereavement.

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

‘Everyone at the football club send their love to Steve and his family. We ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.’

Support was given to Matt Smith, Madison’s father and Bruce’s son-in-law, by his former clubs on social media.

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

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

The former striker, who retired in August, had represented several clubs during his career including QPR and Millwall.

Millwall offered its ‘unconditional love and support’, adding ‘We are with you every step of the way, Smudger.’

QPR gave a similar message with the club expressing its ‘deepest condolences, love and support’ to Smith and his family. 

Sympathies were offered 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 – confirmed their assistant manager Alex Bruce will not attend their match this weekend following the death of his nephew.

Blackpool announced on Friday that Bruce will not attend their match with Barnsley

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

Salford City assistant manager Alex Bruce will not attend their match on Saturday

‘Salford City announces that Assistant Manager Alex Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture away at Crewe Alexandra due to the tragic passing of his four-month old nephew, Madison,’ Salford wrote on Friday night.

‘All at the football club send our love and full support to Alex, Matt Smith and the family. We request that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with 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 of the 2024-25 season.