LONDON, England, July 19 – Steve Bruce has become the second manager to be interviewed for the England job.
The Hull boss, 55, has had a formal discussion about his ambitions. It is believed there is a possibility of him teaming up with either Alan Shearer or Rio Ferdinand, two players with stellar international reputations.
Bruce, a former Manchester United captain, is said to be ‘very keen’ on the role. His club are aware of the interest from the FA, who are eager to avoid the problems caused by their first interview with Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce.
He has also stressed that the FA’s drive for a new boss should not undermine Hull’s return to the Premier League, for which he is trying to add new recruits to his squad.
It is not known if all three FA headhunters – vice-chairman David Gill, technical chief Dan Ashworth and chief executive Martin Glenn were present at Bruce’s interview.
At least one of them is believed to be out of the country. All three interviewed Allardyce, who is still the favourite with the bookmakers.
After Sportsmail revealed that his interview had taken place a week ago, Sunderland were forced into a hasty statement urging the FA to make an early decision.
Instead the FA are going through the process of speaking to candidates on their shortlist, which is also thought to include Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and former Germany striker Jurgen Klinsmann. Sunderland hope the process is complete by the end of the week.
Bruce said three days ago: ‘I think we are all guessing. If there is going to be a call then it hasn’t happened yet.
‘So if something happens I will be delighted to tell you and I’m sure the club will be delighted to tell you but at the moment nothing has happened.’
He also told Sportsmail last week that the new manager should be English. ‘Of course, I’d love the call,’ he said.
‘It would be a highlight to help England. I’ve been at this the thick end of 40 years. Nearly a thousand games as a player, nearly 800 as a manager. That’s a lot of Saturday afternoons.’
Bruce played for Gillingham, Norwich, Manchester United, Birmingham and Sheffield United. He has also managed Sheffield United, as well as Huddersfield, Wigan, Crystal Palace, Birmingham and Sunderland. And he took Hull up last last season, the fourth promotion of his career.