Hull boss Steve Bruce admits: 'I thought about quitting'

Hull boss Steve Bruce has admitted he contemplated quitting football management before signing a new three-year deal with the club this week.

The 54-year-old, a manager of 17 years since his first job with Sheffield United in 1998, is facing a relegation fight with the Tigers and he has admitted it has been a "difficult" season.

"There was a bit of me that thought 'Steve, you've had a wonderful three years here, do you keep the club up and then say thanks very much? But then I thought: 'I haven't finished yet'," he said

"I spoke to my wife and she asked if I needed a break. I've always said I wanted to go the Cricket World Cup, have a week at Cheltenham or go to the US Masters.

"But at the end of the day, this is what I do. It becomes difficult but the day you stop enjoying it is the day when you say 'that's it', and I think I'll know that.

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"I have put something in place with the academy, the scouting and the training ground. I want to see it through to fruition and see if I can get it where I think it can be. If I can do that and play my part, then I will sail off into the sunset.

"But I won't go on as long as Sir Alex Ferguson!"

Bruce has invested significant work in Hull’s academy, which is yet to see a player establish himself in the first-team, who are 15th in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s crucial relegation clash at Leicester.

"I would love to see a young one come through," Bruce said.

"When was the last time that happened? I know there have been players in the past who have been in the lower divisions but not a Premier League player.

"There must be something out here. We have made a few strides for that and I hope it comes along."