Manager Steve Bruce to miss Blackpool's game with Barnsley after four-month-old grandson dies

Blackpool confirmed their 63-year-old boss, whose former clubs include Birmingham, Hull, Aston Villa and Newcastle, will not be in the dugout on Saturday afternoon following the death of his grandson for the home game.

A Blackpool statement said: “The club can announce that head coach Steve Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture against Barnsley due to the tragic passing of his four-month-old grandson Madison.

“Everyone at the football club send their love to Steve and his family. We ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”

Former Manchester United defender Bruce has won four, drawn one and lost one of his six League One games in charge of Blackpool since succeeding Neil Critchley last month. The Tangerines are currently 10th in the table.