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Steve Bruce says he could've been sacked if Hull had lost Derby tie

Steve Bruce of Hull City
Image: Steve Bruce of Hull City waves after his side reached Wembley

Steve Bruce admitted he could have been sacked if Hull City had been knocked out by Derby County in the Championship play-off semi-finals.

Hull scraped through to the final with a 3-2 aggregate win over Derby despite losing the second-leg 2-0.

No team in the history of the play-offs had ever overcome a three-goal first-leg deficit but Derby came close, courtesy of a Johnny Russell strike and Andrew Robertson own-goal in the first half.

Derby had 55 minutes to force extra time but the hosts regrouped and saw the game out, booking a Wembley date with Sheffield Wednesday on May 28.

Bruce reiterated his notion that he will not be discussing his future with Hull's owners until the season is over.

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Michael Dawson and Curtis Davis share their relief after holding out against Derby

"If I had lost tonight, I could have been sacked," said Bruce.

"With our profession at the moment, you ask the question constantly. I've been here now four years. As I always do, I'll sit down with the owners and when the final game is gone I'll see what happens." 

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Bruce has now led Hull to Wembley in three of the last four seasons but instead of praising his side, he was full of compliments for his opposition and their manager Darren Wassall.  

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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final second leg

"For how good we were on Saturday, we were bad tonight and it was the other way around for Derby," Bruce said. "Well done to them, they've responded after the stinging criticism they've had from all quarters.

"They caused us more problems in 30 minutes than I can remember for a long time. They got the start they wanted and we got nervous. When the own-goal went in it became one of those nervy nights - thankfully, in the second half we showed a bit of resilience.

"For a club like ours, it's a magnificent achievement. There's big clubs all around us - Derby are one of them, who have got a big support and have bought well. They've got good players. In that respect, we're really pleased." 

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