Bruce Lets Bruce Leave Blues

Steve Bruce has explained why he let his son Alex leave Birmingham City for Ipswich Town where the 21-year-old has agreed a three-year deal.

Bruce told Sky Sports News: ‘It was always a difficult situation. The one thing you do, above everything else, is for Alex himself to go and get a career for himself. The opportunity for Ipswich came along. If he hadn’t been my lad, there wasn’t any chance of him going anywhere. He is exactly what you want – he’s young, enthusiastic, hungry and desperate to do well like any young player is.’

‘But I just felt, for his own career, it was best for him. I wish him all the best. He has got a tough start against Crystal Palace tomorrow and I hope he does well.’

He also admitted Alex was born in Norwich, who are Ipswich Town’s local rivals, Bruce said ‘I’d better not tell Ipswich fans that!’

Too late!

‘Geographically, his mother’s not very happy, but it’s all about playing and getting a career for himself. It’s a very, very good club Ipswich and I’m sure he’ll do okay.’

Alex Bruce had just 12 appearances at St Andrews and also enjoyed loan spells at Oldham Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday and Tranmere Rovers.