Hull confirm Bruce talks over England job

Hull City have confirmed boss Steve Bruce has held informal talks with the Football Association over the England manager’s job.

The position has now been vacant for three weeks after Roy Hodgson resigned in the immediate aftermath of England’s defeat to Iceland at the last-16 stage of Euro 2016.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce was pictured emerging from the house of FA vice-chairman David Gill last week while Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann have also been mentioned as candidates.

Sunderland’s response was to urge the FA to do their business quickly so as to avoid disrupting their preparations for the new season, and Hull have done likewise.

Their statement read: “The club can confirm that manager Steve Bruce has held informal discussions regarding the England vacancy, although no official approach has been received from the FA.

“We would hope to see the FA conclude their business quickly in order to avoid further speculation regarding Steve ahead of what is a season of huge importance for the club following our return to the Premier League.”

After a hugely successful playing career spent mostly with Manchester United, Bruce went into management with Sheffield United before earning himself a reputation as a man who changed clubs regularly following short stints with Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic and Crystal Palace.

He finally settled at Birmingham City, enjoying six years at St Andrew’s that culminated in promotion back to the Premier League following relegation the year before.

Uncertainty surrounding the Blues’ ownership saw him return to Wigan where he remained for two seasons before jumping ship for Sunderland. 

He had a mixed record at the Stadium of Light with his tenure marked by periods of promise and long runs without a win. The situation came to a head in November 2011 when Sunderland were beaten 2-1 at home by Wigan, prompting a furious backlash from supporters and the sack.

Bruce’s first season at Hull saw him guide the Tigers into the top flight, where they remained for two seasons despite heavy spending on new players. They returned to the Premier League in May via the play-offs with Bruce recently stating his commitment to the club amid rumours he had become disillusioned with life at the KC Stadium.