‘Steve Bruce was like a dad to me – he even visited me during my prison stint’

Former Arsenal bad boy Jermaine Pennant has described Steve Bruce as a father figure while he was locked up in prison.

Pennant, 40, was signed by Arsenal in 1999 as a promising youngster. The controversial winger signed for Birmingham City on loan in 2005 and later permanently, where he became better known for his off-field antics than his football.

While on loan, the Englishman was jailed for three months after drink-driving, having crashed his friend’s Mercedes into a lamp-post. He even identified himself as his former Arsenal team-mate Ashley Cole during questioning.

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The player served 30 days in prison before being released. But during that time, he recalled how his manager Bruce was “like a dad” to him, even going as far as visiting him in jail when others would have turned their backs.

Speaking on upcoming Paramount+ documentary Fever Pitch, he said: “Steve Bruce was magnificent. He is the only person that has gone out of his way massively to make sure I am alright and show me that there is a future for me at the club.

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“He even went to visit me while I was inside, which was unheard of. When I got out, he said I've got an apartment and you can stay there. Just little things like that were massive.

“Some players might have needed a stiff telling off but I needed love. I needed someone to put their arm around me. Steve Bruce was like a dad. He gave me a second opportunity and I didn't want to ruin it.”

Birmingham stood by Pennant despite him being just a loanee. And he became the first player to play in the Premier League with an electronic tag on his ankle during a game against Tottenham.

Pennant continued to represent the Blues the following season, where his off-field troubles persisted. He secured a move to Liverpool after the side were relegated.

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