Alex Bruce (born 23 December 1952) is a Scottish footballer who played as a striker for Preston North End, Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic.
Born in Dundee, Scotland, Bruce began his career with Preston North End in 1971 before joining Newcastle United in January 1973 for a fee reported as £140,000 or £150,000. He made his debut in February 1974 in a 3–1 defeat against Southampton, but struggled to hold a regular first team place ahead of the club's more established strikers. He made 20 league appearances and scored three goals during his 18 month spell at the club. In August 1975, he re-joined his former club when Newcastle signed John Bird from Preston in exchange for Bruce and £60,000 – a transfer which prompted the resignation of Preston manager Bobby Charlton. He was a prolific striker and a cult figure with Preston supporters, staying with the club until 1983. He then joined Wigan Athletic before leaving League football to join Rushden & Diamonds.
Also worked in his spare time after league football as a Pool Attendant / Lifeguard at Leyland Leisure Centre. Alex took up a position as Assistant Centre Manager at Longridge before moving back to Leyland as Centre Manager. He finished his career with South Ribble Borough Council as Director of Leisure.
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“My smiling child
Named for a noble ancestor
Great hunter or warrior
You will be one day.
Which will give your papa pride
But always I will remember you thus.”
—African Lullaby. As quoted in Roots, by Alex Haley (1976)
“Today’s comedian has a cross to bear that he built himself. A comedian of the older generation did an “act” and he told the audience, “This is my act.” Today’s comic is not doing an act. The audience assumes he’s telling the truth. What is truth today may be a damn lie next week.”
—Lenny Bruce (1925–1966)
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Am urged by your propinquity to find
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—Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892–1950)