Bruce to be rewarded with new contract
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Steve Bruce, the Birmingham City manager, is to be rewarded with a new contract after his achievements at St Andrews' over the past 18 months. Birmingham's co-owner and plc chairman, David Sullivan, confirmed that the board would be discussing a new and improved deal with Bruce.
At the weekend Bruce spelt out his desire to put pen to paper on a new five-year contract, even though his current deal still has more than three years to run. Now his wish is to be granted after leading Birmingham to promotion play-off glory last season and establishing them in the Premiership during the current campaign.
Technically, Birmingham still need a point to stay up, but they are nine points clear of third-from-bottom West Ham with only three games to play and have a superior goal difference.
"I said at the start of the season that if Steve kept us in this division after coming through the play-offs then it would put him among the best," Sullivan said.
"Steve has proved himself and we couldn't have asked for any more of him this season. He probably thinks he has done well – and he has – and wants to sit down to talk about an enhanced deal.
"It is our intention to do that. We'll have a chat and come up with a longer and better contract for him."
Sullivan added: "I think the spell over Christmas and New Year told you everything there is to know about Steve. We had terrible injury problems and went through a run of six defeats and a draw. We gave Steve money to spend which he did wisely.
"He kept on plugging away and we came out of it. It's how you handle the setbacks and Steve Bruce didn't crack up and neither did the team."
Bruce is leading the race to sign France's Under-21 keeper Nicolas Penneteau in a £1.5m deal. Bruce has had the Bastia player watched and hopes his French contacts will help him clinch the transfer. Penneteau has also been looked at by Everton and Arsenal in recent weeks, but Birmingham could offer him the best chance of being their No 1.
Bruce has also given a trial to the Cologne keeper Markus Proell, who spent a week training with the club and is due to return.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments