THE MOTHER of Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has passed away.
It comes just three months after the former Manchester United player's father Joe died on February 6.
Bruce's son Alex revealed the news about his grandmother Sheenagh on Friday.
He said that his father would be in the dugout for Villa’s Championship game at Millwall on Sunday, as it’s what his grandmother would have wanted.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “She is now at peace with my Grandad after suffering a terrible three months with illness.”
At 4.10 this morning my Gran Sheenagh sadly has passed away. She is now at peace with my Grandad after suffering a terrible three months with illness. My Dad is in need of some privacy and rest over the next 48hrs and will be back on the touchline Sunday as she would of wanted. pic.twitter.com/4ZM053ss2T
— Alex Bruce (@AlexBruce84) 4 May 2018
Among those offering their condolences was former Aston Villa and Ireland player Paul McGrath.
Thinking of Steve Bruce and his family, not easy to loose a parent at any time but to loose both in a short space of time is completely heartbreaking #rip
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) 4 May 2018
Former Ireland and Northern Ireland player Alex thanked well-wishers following a flood of support.
“A tough day for the family,” he wrote. “Thanks everyone for all your kind messages.”