Bruce set for release to Wigan
19th November, 2007
Steve Bruce is seemingly set to join Wigan for a second stint as manager, after a statement today is expected to announce the Birmingham City will release the manager from his contract.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said: "We look like we have a contract agreed but nothing has been signed. "There's a clause and we have to honour that," added Whelan. "We've agreed that with Birmingham. To get a manager of Steve's quality I think is a bargain." It has been reported that Wigan will have to pay as much as £3million in compensation to Birmingham, and Bruce will earn around £2million a year.
Wigan sacked Chris Hutchings at the beginning of November after just 12 games in charge of the side, and have been targeting Bruce for a while. Whelan is also keen to recruit Eric Black, Bruce's assistant at Birmingham. "I understand Birmingham want some continuity. He wants to come with Steve because a team always stays together. Whether he will come immediately I don't know," he said.
"It is a mess when you are looking for a new manager. Everything is stirred up. It is never a happy time and the sooner it is over and Steve joins us I will be a very happy man."
Wigan find themselves 19th in the Premier League with only two wins in 13 games. They remain odds-on for the drop, at about 4/6. Birmingham are third-favourites for the drop, at 11/8 with Bet 365.
