Steve Bruce has been linked with a surprise return to management.
According to The Shields Gazette, the former Sunderland boss is the early favourite to take charge of Gillingham.
Bruce had been in management since 1998 and has taken the reins at 12 different clubs, though he has been out of work since he was sacked by West Brom in October 2022.
The former defender previously spent two-and-a-half years at the Stadium of Light, despite being a Newcastle United fan. Bruce then went onto manage the Magpies more recently, before he was hounded out of his boyhood club two years ago.
It has been a long time since Bruce has enjoyed success, with the 62-year-old being on the receiving end of a cabbage from an Aston Villa supporter during a draw to Preston North End.
However, after 12 months out of the game, Bruce could now return with Gillingham. The former defender began his playing career with The Gills and spent seven years there before joining Norwich.
The League Two club are currently without a head coach following the sacking of Neil Harris, despite the fact they are currently sat in the automatic promotion places.
Steve Bruce, it’s time to retire!
I think many football fans can’t possibly believe that Steve Bruce is still willing to have another crack at management, especially given the stick he has received in recent years.
The ex-Manchester United man is completely past it and should be ready to put his feet up and retire, but perhaps League Two is a bit less of a risky appointment for Bruce. Though fans will be calling for his head if he manages to knock them down to mid-table by Christmas.