Hull vs Derby: Steve Bruce aware his future will depend on whether Tigers secure Premier League promotion
Hull are expected to reach the Championship play-off final as they hold a 3-0 first-leg advantage over Derby
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hull boss Steve Bruce conceded his future could be dictated by what division the club are in next season.
The 55-year-old takes charge of his 200th game at the Tigers helm when Derby come to the KC Stadium in the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final second leg on Tuesday and he is likely to be celebrating the landmark by booking another visit to Wembley.
The Tigers hold a 3-0 advantage from Saturday's first leg and it will take some comeback by the Rams to stop Hull reaching the national stadium for the third time in as many years.
That would put them one win away from an instant return to the Barclays Premier League, the second time Bruce will have won promotion in his four years in East Yorkshire.
However Hull's season ends, Bruce confirmed he will address his future with the club's owners.
When asked what division the Tigers are in next year could affect whether he stays, he replied: "Possibly.
"I haven't really given myself any real thought of what lies ahead because you can't in management any more unless you are in the elite.
"All of us don't know what is around the corner.
"Is there a long-term future for any manager? That's something we are all guarded against. I have done four years and I must be the third or fourth longest serving in all of the leagues.
"I haven't really looked at my position at all. Last year we got relegated and I offered my resignation to the board and they asked me to carry on. I will have a conversation with the owners in a couple of weeks' time regardless of what division we are in."
If Hull can get over the line against Derby, it would cap an eventful double century of games for Bruce.
There has been a promotion to the Premier League, a relegation, an FA Cup final and a foray into the Europa League.
"Victory would be a lovely way to mark it," he said.
"If somebody had told me that after 200 games there would be chance to go to Wembley for a third time, a chance to have a couple of promotions and get to the FA Cup final and play in Europe, I wouldn't have thought that would have been possible.
"We've had a good time, let's hope it carries on.
"There is always a low when you are relegated, that stays with you. But when I took over we played Hartlepool away and we got beat and I drove home thinking 'What on earth have I got here'. I have to be brutally honest on that.
"So to get from there to where we are now is a million miles away. There's been more highs, definitely, it's been a very enjoyable time."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments