Blackpool's Bruce surprised by League One quality

Steve Bruce

Blackpool boss Steve Bruce says he has been surprised by the level of quality in League One since he joined the club.

The 63-year-old arrived at the club in September - his first job in management since 2022 - after Neil Critchley was sacked.

Bruce oversaw four wins from his first four League One games in charge and has guided the club to 13th position in the table, with two wins from two heading into Saturday's trip to Reading.

"League One has surprised me enormously with some of the quality in there. There's some big clubs with big budgets this year so all the more to beat and it's a really difficult year this year," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"No disrespect to Wycombe, even though they've bought well and recruited well, nobody thought they would go on to win 10 or 11 on the spin to sit top of the league.

"Then you've got Huddersfield, Charlton, Bolton, Stockport and it goes on and on - that's why it's such a competitive and difficult league, and one we're enjoying."

Blackpool have a congested period either side of the new year, with seven games in December and six in January. However, that could be extended after their fixture against Rotherham was postponed because of Storm Darragh last weekend.

"It's ridiculous when we look at December and January. It's usually a quiet month but I've learned in League One there's no quiet months," he added.

"It could be seven or eight games in January. They're going to come thick and fast so you'll need your full squad to give you that cover."