Steve Bruce is new Wigan manager

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan said that he had agreed a deal to bring Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce to the JJB Stadium. Whelan told Sky Sports News that he had agreed to pay Premier League rivals Birmingham City 3.0 million pounds in compensation to secure the services of the former Manchester United defender, who had been in charge at St Andrews for almost six years. Bruce replaces Chris Hutchings, who was sacked earlier this month after 13 games in charge. Whelan said he became his first choice after Hutchings's predecessor Paul Jewell turned down to return to the job he left at the end of last season. "I'm delighted we've got him, he is one of the best young managers in the land and will bring enthusiasm, knowledge and spirit to our team," Whelan said. "It's a big loss for Birmingham and a fantastic signing for Wigan. "We've got a good team, we've now got a brilliant manager and with Steve Bruce Wigan will become again a fighting team."