• [Dailystar Icon]
• Sport
• Football
• Arsenal FC

'I played for Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez Steve Bruce was the best manager for me'

EXCLUSIVE: He has regularly been derided by his own fans, but one former Premier League star has came out batting for ex-Premier League boss Steve Bruce

[Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger and for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez in the stands.]

One player has placed Steve Bruce's man-management skills above Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez(Image: Kent Gavin Daily Mirror)

Former Liverpool and Arsenal ace Jermaine Pennant believes Steve Bruce was the "best man manager" he ever worked under.

During his career, Pennant, 40, played under Arsene Wenger at Highbury and Rafael Benitez at Anfield, the latter of which he featured for over the course of a memorable run to the 2007 Champions League final. But in-between those spells, Pennant had a life-changing two years under Bruce at Birmingham City.

During their time together, Pennant played some of the best football of his Premier League career and also spent 30 days in prison after pleading guilty to drink driving in 2005. He also became the only Premier League player to compete while wearing an electronic police tag, as Bruce threw him back into the starting line-up when he was released on parole. Pennant credits the former Newcastle United boss for helping him turn his life around.

READ MORE: Ex-Premier League stars Stephen Darby, 35, and Marcus Stewart open up on MND battle

READ MORE: Mo Salah misses another penalty in AFCON warm-up after dreadful Liverpool record

Join the Daily Star's WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots more

He is the best man manager that I've worked under, Pennant - who was speaking on behalf of William Hill - said in an exclusive interview with Daily Star Sport. He was amazing, for me, for my career. I owe a lot to Steve because he never gave up on me.

He could have given up on me multiple times because I drove him around the bend at times. You know I got him in trouble sometimes, but he never, ever gave up on me and that is a great attribute to have.

And in that I repaid him on the pitch. No matter what was going on, I made sure that I gave 110% on that field. On the back of that, I got rewarded with a move to Liverpool, so if I didn't perform well on the pitch Liverpool would not be interested for that whole season."

What is your reaction to Jermaine Pennant's views on Steve Bruce? Let us know in the comment section below

[Jermaine Pennant of Arsenal in action during the Pre-Season friendly match between Barnet and Arsenal at the Underhill Stadium, Barnet on July 17, 2004 in London, England]

Pennant was signed by Arsenal from Notts County for 2m, when he was only 15 years old(Image: Getty Images)

[Steve Bruce talks in a pres conference while Jermaine Pennant sits next to him]

Bruce always backed Pennant, even visiting the Englishman while he was in prison(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)

Pennant contributed three goals and six assists over the course of 60 games he played under the Manchester United legend. When City were relegated, Pennant was snapped up by Liverpool in a deal worth 6.7m. It was a phenomenal journey, considering he was behind bars, barely a year before.

However, despite being one of his best players, Bruce, 63, did not stand in his way when the Merseysiders came calling. Pennant added: I think they [Liverpool] watched me for the whole season and Steve Bruce supported that. He supported me, not only on the pitch, but off the pitch as well. I couldn't speak more highly of Steve."

In recent years, Bruce has been a divisive figure for the teams he has led. At Newcastle, he was frequently derided by his own fans, despite maintaining their place in the Premier League, while the Saudi Arabian PIF led consortium was negotiating a takeover of the club with their previous owner Mike Ashley.

[Newcastle United's English head coach Steve Bruce during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on May 2, 2021.]

Bruce was not a fan favourite at Newcastle United(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

[Barclays Premiership between LIverpool and Birmingham City at Anfield is Steve Bruce and Jermaine Pennant speak as he is taken of]

Pennant earned a move to Liverpool off the back of his spell at City with Steve Bruce(Image: BPM)

However, Pennant believes the manager, who has not been in the dugout since his disastrous eight-month spell with West Bromwich Albion, is harshly criticised by fans and the media alike. He's a great man, and I understand that sometimes as a manager, his teams, they didn't get the best or do well," said Pennant.

"But I think he deserved more from fans. He deserved more from his team because he's a good manager. I think he could have reached higher heights and won things during his managerial career, but the teams he had werent always capable.

"I think he's a wonderful manager and some fans don't see eye to eye with him. I think he's just one of those managers, who is an easy target - like me, an easy target."

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.