Bruce takes charge with bitter word for Brummies

Bruce was disappointed with the way his former club stated their issues in public and would rather have conducted his business in private. Upon arrival at the JJB he said: "It's become a bit of a laughing stock. But things in contracts should, I believe, remain private and it was unfortunate it was addressed in the media.

"It left me in an embarrassing situation and one I'm very disappointed with. I always knew it would get resolved but it has left a bad taste in the mouth after six years of decent service to the football club.

Steve Bruce

"I think familiarity breeds contempt. Having been here six years and having certain promises taken away, like new contracts [it was disappointing].

"Mr Whelan came in and made it clear I was the one he wanted. Paul Jewell was obviously his first choice because he has worked with him before and I'll do my utmost to give it my best shot."

Bruce was manager of the Latics for seven games back in 2001 before his departure to Crystal Palace. Chairman Dave Whelan has clearly learned from this mistake and has paid upto £3 million for Bruce's services.

"With the chairman paying something like £3million compensation I would have thought that would be enough but obviously not," continued Bruce. "But I'm here, it's a new challenge and if I have the same success as I had at Birmingham then I'm sure Mr Whelan will be happy."


There was also time for a word about the impending addition of Eric Black to the club's backroom staff. Bruce added: "I'm hoping that I can make some additions to the backroom staff by the end of the week. Eric Black is still in work at Birmingham, but I'm hoping to bring in a couple of new faces.

"I was extremely impressed with the way they went about their job on Saturday [Wigan's 2-0 loss to Arsenal]. I know it's going to be difficult but my job is to try and give the whole place a lift. I'm very confident of staying in the Premier League."

Bruce will take charge of his first match on Saturday with the home fixture against Sven Goran Eriksson's Manchester City.