'Open minded' - former Newcastle United manager teases Saudi link

Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has said he is 'open-minded' to his next job in football and sent a teasing message to Saudi Arabian clubs. The 62-year-old has been out of work since a dismal eight-month spell at West Brom in 2022, which was his first job since leaving Newcastle United shortly after the Saudi Public Investment Fund takeover of the club in October 2021.

Bruce is one of the first names to be linked with vacant roles in England, having managed 11 Premier League and Championship clubs in his career, but is yet to choose his next challenge. Speaking to Gambling Zone, the Manchester United legend teased that becoming the next big name to take on a job in Saudi Arabia could tempt him.

Seemingly not put off from receiving the Saudi sacking at Newcastle United, Bruce said: "I've had many people ask me if I'd go to Saudi Arabia, and the simple answer is - I'm not going to reveal anything. I've turned down a number of clubs recently as I didn't think they were quite right. I'd be open to a job abroad if it comes up - I'm very open-minded.

"I think revealing the clubs who were interested in me would be very disrespectful - so I won't."

Former Aston Villa manager and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is currently in charge at Al-Ettifaq while ex Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo had held the post at Al-Ittihad until recently. There was also a mass exodus of Premier League stars to the country this summer with Jordan Henderson, Ruben Neves, Roberto Firmino and more heading to the Middle Eastern country - often controversially given the nation's atrocious human rights record.

Bruce, who recorded a win percentage of 29% over his 97 matches in charge of Newcastle United, also responded to rumours linking him to the Ireland football role. The nation has this week dismissed Stephen Kenny from his post and is on the lookout for a new manager.

Speaking before Kenny's dismissal, Bruce said: "I've stated before that I'd like to get back into management, but I find speculation when there's a manager in place to be very disrespectful. The current manager had a big game against New Zealand, and hearing speculation about him being sacked is really disrespectful. I've been there myself.

"I'm looking to get back into football, whether that's an international job, a director of football, an assistant to an up-and-coming manager, or a consultation role. I'm open to anything as I miss the game. International management would appeal to me at my age, but I find speculation disrespectful while a manager is in place. Once the manager position is free, then they can give me a call."