Ex-Blues defender Alex Bruce has been appointed the first-team manager of Northern Premier League Macclesfield.

It’s the 39-year-old’s first role as a boss, although he has previous coaching experience at West Brom working under his father Steve.

Bruce, who played for Town between 2006 and 2010, making 123 starts and four sub appearances, scoring three times, previously played for Macclesfield, the club formed from the ashes of the old Macclesfield Town, in 2021/22 season.

The centre-half will be assisted by former Manchester United full-back Phil Bardsley with long-serving ex-Red Devils academy manager Paul McGuinness head coach and Dan Ternent, the son of former Burnley boss Stan, head of recruitment.

The Silkmen have strong Old Trafford connections with Robbie Savage, like Bruce a one-time youth player at United, the club’s director of football.

“Looking at Alex, Paul, and Phil and with my upbringing, the key values of coming through the system at Manchester United is a fundamental part of why we made these appointments,” Savage told the club’s official website.

“The ethos and the morals and the principles which we want to integrate into the football club are vital going forward. Alex with his coaching experience at West Brom dealing with first-team players and his ability to handle a squad.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Alex who has got all his badges, assisted by Phil Bardsley who recently finished playing in The Premier League at Burnley. His Premier League experience and willingness to improve players and be a part of the journey.

“Dan Ternent has worked at Hull City, Aston Villa, West Brom and was fundamental in bringing the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Andy Robertson and Harry Maguire to Hull.

“For Alex to have Paul McGuinness as his head coach provides a blend of youth and experience at Manchester United for over 20 years. For us to acquire the services of Paul McGuinness is a major coup for the football club which inevitably for the benefit of our football club is amazing.

“To have the amount of knowledge that Alex, Paul, Phil, and Dan boast, it is a major incentive for any young footballer looking to develop and we are delighted that they are on board at Macclesfield Football Club.”

Photo: Action Images

Marcus added 17:00 - Oct 30 A great servant to the club in a struggling era. Held things together during the Magilton era but was one of many to in the Keane cull. Best of luck, maybe will cross paths in the Champions League in a couple of years ;)
4

MK1 added 18:25 - Oct 30 Good player. Wasn't the best of times for him here, but he always gave his all. Best of luck to him.
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therein61 added 18:53 - Oct 30 Good luck on your first step in management Alex for your sake you prove to be more popular than your old man! when at town you always did your best in a blue shirt under difficult circumstances credit to you for that.
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FromIpswichToPhoenix added 19:23 - Oct 30 Best of luck to you, Alex. Can't believe it's been 13 years already.
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warfarinman69 added 19:25 - Oct 30 Always thought he did his best. I thought he was a decent defender and full of spirit. But Keene ruined his caroling with ruining our club. Good luck Alex, hope paths cross again. Always welcome PR
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warfarinman69 added 19:26 - Oct 30 Career not caroling - where did auto correct get that from?
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oldegold added 19:56 - Oct 30 Thought he was a bang average player in grim times for Town....didn't do anything spectacular in a period that history will show was the beginning of the slow decline under Evans
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SmithersJones added 21:34 - Oct 30 Did Robbie Savage play for Man Utd? He never mentions it. Next thing we know Paul Lambert will be removing his Dortmund shaped light from under that bushel of his.
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