Steve Bruce defends decision to delay start as Sheffield Wednesday manager
Former Villa manager to begin work as Owls boss on February 1
Tuesday 29 January 2019 10:43, UK
Steve Bruce has defended his decision to delay starting work as Sheffield Wednesday's new manager.
The 58-year-old former Aston Villa boss insists the delay has been agreed due to health concerns and the decision has been taken with Wednesday's blessing.
Bruce has undergone two operations since being sacked by Villa in October and says he needs time to recover before returning to the rigours of football management.
Bruce, currently in Barbados, also promised his family he would take a break following the loss of both his parents in quick succession last year.
"I have had two operations and I've been recovering in Barbados," Bruce told The Telegraph.
"I did not hide anything from Sheffield Wednesday and they were perfectly happy with the plan. It was done with their full support.
"I wouldn't have taken the job if they were not aware of the situation and what I needed to have done. I was completely open and honest with them when we talked about me taking the job.
"It is extremely disappointing that people have tried to make something negative out of it.
"People also have to realise that I had an extremely tough year in 2018, losing both my parents and I'd promised those close to me that I'd take a break. It took a lot out of me emotionally, it really did, and this is something I needed to do."
Wednesday, who are 17th in the Sky Bet Championship table, travel to face Ipswich Town on Saturday in Bruce's first game in charge.
