Sunderland sacking was 'worst' of Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce's career

A police escort, a barrage of abuse and coins thrown – Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has revealed his Sunderland sacking was the worst of his managerial career.
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Bruce, who takes his Magpies side to another former club Aston Villa tomorrow, managed the Black Cats between 2009-2011.

It was a period filled with ups and downs – but for all the peaks, the end was the biggest trough of all at the Stadium of Light.

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When asked the worst sacking he’s experienced, Bruce revealed: “Down the road (Sunderland).

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05:  Steve Bruce of Sunderland watches from the touchline during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on November 5, 2011 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05:  Steve Bruce of Sunderland watches from the touchline during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on November 5, 2011 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Steve Bruce of Sunderland watches from the touchline during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on November 5, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

“The worst sacking was Sunderland in terms of abuse, I had to have a police escort home. I had motorbikes round the car. Coins, yeah, I’ve had coins.”

Bruce was sacked by Sunderland in November 2011 after winning just two games of the opening 13 in the Premier League season. His final act as AFC boss was to oversee a 2-1 home loss to Wigan Athletic,

At the time owner Ellis Short said: "It is my job to act in the best interests of our football club and I can assure everyone that this is not a decision that I have taken lightly.

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"Sadly results this season have simply not been good enough and I feel the time is right to make a change."

Bruce joined the Black Cats from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2009 and led the club to a 10th place finish in his first season.

In 98 games Bruce won 29, drew 28 and lost 41.