--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I've been fortunate enough to win the FA…" description: "\"I've been fortunate enough to win the FA Cup as a player but it's taken me 15 years as a manager to get to a semi-final.\" — Steve Bruce" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/793/steve-bruce-4727_cup_i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-win-the-fa_1376908.jpg" --- # I've been fortunate enough to win the FA Cup as a player… ![“I've been fortunate enough to win the FA Cup as a player but it's taken me 15 years as a manager to get to a semi-final.” quote by Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/793/steve-bruce-4727_cup_i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-win-the-fa_1376908.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/793/steve-bruce-4727_cup_i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-win-the-fa_1376908.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/793/steve-bruce-4727_cup_i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-win-the-fa_1376908.jpg) > “I've been fortunate enough to win the FA Cup as a player but it's taken me 15 years as a manager to get to a semi-final.” [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Highlights the long journey from player to manager, emphasizing perseverance despite delayed success. **In simple terms:** Success takes time and effort. Key Takeaway Persist despite setbacks. Themes perseverance career sports Mood determined reflective Type professional motivational When to use this quote - team meetings - season planning - career mentorship Key Concepts leadership goal setting Questions to Reflect On - What kept you motivated over 15 years? - How do you define success as a manager? A Different Perspective Success may still be elusive despite effort. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [15 Years](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/15-years/) [Cup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cup/) [Enough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enough/) [Football](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) [Fortunate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fortunate/) [Management](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/management/) [Manager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/manager/) [Manager Semi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/manager-semi-4757531/) [Semi Final](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/semi-final-537139/) [Win](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/win/) [Years Manager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/years-manager-3811394/) ## Related quotes > [That is the difference from being a manager and being a player: As a player, if you sign a contract for four years, if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mauricio-pochettino/that-is-the-difference-from-being-a-manager-and-being-a-player-as-a/) [Mauricio Pochettino](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mauricio-pochettino/) > [When you get to the semi-final of a cup you want to get to the final.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-phelan/when-you-get-to-the-semi-final-of-a-cup-you-want-to-get-to-the-final/) [Mike Phelan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-phelan/) > [We don't man-mark anybody. I have never, ever done it in 27 years as a manager and I would never do it,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-toshack/we-don-t-man-mark-anybody-i-have-never-ever-done-it-in-27-years-as-a/) [John Toshack](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-toshack/) > [For any dad who has two footballing sons, to have them in a semi-final and know that at least one will reach the final…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thiago-alcantara/for-any-dad-who-has-two-footballing-sons-to-have-them-in-a-semi-final/) [Thiago Alcantara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thiago-alcantara/) > [Winning the Europa League with Atletico Madrid and then reaching a semi-final of the World Cup is great.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diego-forlan/winning-the-europa-league-with-atletico-madrid-and-then-reaching-a/) [Diego Forlan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diego-forlan/) > [It was my proudest moment as a manager when England drew 0-0 with Italy in Rome to qualify for the World Cup finals. Fifteen…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/glenn-hoddle/it-was-my-proudest-moment-as-a-manager-when-england-drew-0-0-with/) [Glenn Hoddle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/glenn-hoddle/) > [The 1966 World Cup was the high point of my career. We may have lost the semi-final, but Portuguese football was a big winner.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eusebio/the-1966-world-cup-was-the-high-point-of-my-career-we-may-have-lost/) [Eusebio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eusebio/) > [When you play a semi-final, it is impossible to be tired. You know how much is at stake.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luka-modric/when-you-play-a-semi-final-it-is-impossible-to-be-tired-you-know-how/) [Luka Modric](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luka-modric/) > [Always when you reach the semi-final you want to reach the final, it does not matter where or whom you are playing against.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roberto-carlos/always-when-you-reach-the-semi-final-you-want-to-reach-the-final-it/) [Roberto Carlos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roberto-carlos/) > [I'm proud to have represented England in four World Cups but it was hugely frustrating that we never reached a semi-final or played to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-anderson/i-m-proud-to-have-represented-england-in-four-world-cups-but-it-was/) [James Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-anderson/) > [The FA Cup was a big thing at home. Only the semi-final and then the final were shown on television in Nairobi, so it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/victor-wanyama/the-fa-cup-was-a-big-thing-at-home-only-the-semi-final-and-then-the/) [Victor Wanyama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/victor-wanyama/) > [Ahead of a semi-final, there is always the same buzz. You know you are very close to reaching the final, but there is no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paolo-maldini/ahead-of-a-semi-final-there-is-always-the-same-buzz-you-know-you-are/) [Paolo Maldini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paolo-maldini/) > [You've got to dig deep to get from a semi-final to a final.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-carney/you-ve-got-to-dig-deep-to-get-from-a-semi-final-to-a-final/) [Karen Carney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-carney/) > [You cannot underestimate any team that has qualified for a semi-final.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jupp-heynckes/you-cannot-underestimate-any-team-that-has-qualified-for-a-semi-final/) [Jupp Heynckes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jupp-heynckes/) > [I got my big break in the semi-final as a young kid against Real Madrid.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/owen-hargreaves/i-got-my-big-break-in-the-semi-final-as-a-young-kid-against-real/) [Owen Hargreaves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/owen-hargreaves/) ## More by Steve Bruce > [I've been fortunate enough to have some big games as both a player and a manager.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-have-some-big-games-as-both-a-player/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [He’s a fantastic talent and the complete footballer, probably the most coveted in the Premiership. It’s a privilege for the rest of us to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/he-s-a-fantastic-talent-and-the-complete-footballer-probably-the-most/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [I have not got a CV like Rafa, few do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-have-not-got-a-cv-like-rafa-few-do/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [When I was younger, I was a bit awkward to work for, hence why I had about five clubs in two years. I was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/when-i-was-younger-i-was-a-bit-awkward-to-work-for-hence-why-i-had/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [I've got the utmost respect for Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-ve-got-the-utmost-respect-for-mauricio-pochettino-at-tottenham/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [From a playing or managing point of view relegation is a blot on your CV that you don't want, but you have to live…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/from-a-playing-or-managing-point-of-view-relegation-is-a-blot-on-your/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [You have to be as truthful as you possibly can. That's always been my philosophy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/you-have-to-be-as-truthful-as-you-possibly-can-that-s-always-been-my/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [I accept I am not everyone's cup of tea, but judge me over a period of time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-accept-i-am-not-everyone-s-cup-of-tea-but-judge-me-over-a-period-of/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [Alan Shearer is a friend of mine and he is entitled to his opinions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/alan-shearer-is-a-friend-of-mine-and-he-is-entitled-to-his-opinions/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [You do get labelled in the game, and that's why I enjoyed my time managing in the Championship. I'd back myself against most people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/you-do-get-labelled-in-the-game-and-that-s-why-i-enjoyed-my-time/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [I'm delighted and incredibly proud to be appointed as head coach of Newcastle United.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-m-delighted-and-incredibly-proud-to-be-appointed-as-head-coach-of/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [Management, whether you're managing in the lower division or you're right at the top, is about getting the best out of what you've got.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/management-whether-you-re-managing-in-the-lower-division-or-you-re/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [I'm a Newcastle lad, so to be manager is every Geordie's dream.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-m-a-newcastle-lad-so-to-be-manager-is-every-geordie-s-dream/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [I'm always sad to see a manager go.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-m-always-sad-to-see-a-manager-go/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) > [I've said it for a long time that Aston Villa is a special club.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-ve-said-it-for-a-long-time-that-aston-villa-is-a-special-club/) [Steve Bruce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) [Explore all 107 Steve Bruce quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/) ## More Cup quotes > [The World Cup was the biggest thing ever for the national team, but the Champions League is the biggest thing for clubs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-villa/the-world-cup-was-the-biggest-thing-ever-for-the-national-team-but/) [David Villa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-villa/) > [I like to sit down, relax, have a cup of coffee on the terrace and read a book. I like to travel the world…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marianne-vos/i-like-to-sit-down-relax-have-a-cup-of-coffee-on-the-terrace-and-read/) [Marianne Vos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marianne-vos/) > [People think that the Club World Cup is an easy competition, but it's not.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/keylor-navas/people-think-that-the-club-world-cup-is-an-easy-competition-but-it-s/) [Keylor Navas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/keylor-navas/) > [I put hibiscus flower in every cup of tea I have. It's sweet, sexy, and cleansing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mario-batali/i-put-hibiscus-flower-in-every-cup-of-tea-i-have-it-s-sweet-sexy-and/) [Mario Batali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mario-batali/) > [My oldest daughter got married, she had a wedding in Hawaii and a reception in Nashville, and in between I had a Cup date…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barry-trotz/my-oldest-daughter-got-married-she-had-a-wedding-in-hawaii-and-a/) [Barry Trotz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barry-trotz/) > [Even a cup of coffee tastes so much sweeter because you've come once again out of the, literally, out of the edge of death,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-koch/even-a-cup-of-coffee-tastes-so-much-sweeter-because-you-ve-come-once/) [Christopher Koch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-koch/) > [I can't live without my cup of tea. When I was a judge on 'America's Next Top Model,' they had to put me in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/twiggy/i-can-t-live-without-my-cup-of-tea-when-i-was-a-judge-on-america-s/) [Twiggy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/twiggy/) > [I'm not your usual cup of tea.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralphie-may/i-m-not-your-usual-cup-of-tea/) [Ralphie May](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralphie-may/) > [I love the FA Cup.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kolo-toure/i-love-the-fa-cup/) [Kolo Toure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kolo-toure/) > [Some people with autism who don't talk, all they hear are vowel sounds. Like if I said 'cup,' they might just hear 'uh.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/some-people-with-autism-who-don-t-talk-all-they-hear-are-vowel-sounds/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [I love Davis Cup. I respect it from my heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernard-tomic/i-love-davis-cup-i-respect-it-from-my-heart/) [Bernard Tomic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernard-tomic/) > [It's got to be harder in real life to win a World Cup. But depending on if you play World Class level on FIFA,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/landon-donovan/it-s-got-to-be-harder-in-real-life-to-win-a-world-cup-but-depending/) [Landon Donovan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/landon-donovan/) > [I've missed out on a European Cup final because I was injured three weeks beforehand.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-o-neill/i-ve-missed-out-on-a-european-cup-final-because-i-was-injured-three/) [Martin O'Neill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-o-neill/) > [FA Cup or league - we look to win every game.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-oxlade-chamberlain/fa-cup-or-league-we-look-to-win-every-game/) [Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-oxlade-chamberlain/) > [I became an India player in January 2009 and was therefore paid Rs 40 lakhs. However, in my contract, my category continued as a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ravindra-jadeja/i-became-an-india-player-in-january-2009-and-was-therefore-paid-rs-40/) [Ravindra Jadeja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ravindra-jadeja/) [Browse all 477 Cup quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cup/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I've been fortunate enough to win the FA Cup as a player but it's taken me 15 years as a manager to get to a semi-final.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steve Bruce" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-win-the-fa-cup-as-a-player-but-it-s/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Cup" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-win-the-fa-cup-as-a-player-but-it-s/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/793/steve-bruce-4727_cup_i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-win-the-fa_1376908.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/793/steve-bruce-4727_cup_i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-win-the-fa_1376908.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/793/steve-bruce-4727_cup_i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-win-the-fa_1376908.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I've been fortunate enough to win the FA Cup as a player but it's taken me 15 years as a manager to get to a…” — Steve Bruce", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Steve Bruce", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-bruce/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I've been fortunate enough to win...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-win-the-fa-cup-as-a-player-but-it-s/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-bruce/i-ve-been-fortunate-enough-to-win-the-fa-cup-as-a-player-but-it-s/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```