Whelan sorry to lose Bruce

Wigan Athletic have already begun the task of looking for a new manager.


Chairman Dave Whelan was disappointed to lose Steve Bruce who has left the club to take charge of Sunderland.

Whelan paid a glowing tribute to Bruce and his assistant Eric Black who has also moved to the Stadium of Light.

However he stressed he will not rush the decision to appoint a successor and remains confident he will not be short of candidates.
BEST INTEREST
He said: "Everyone associated with Wigan Athletic is devastated that Steve and Eric have gone, we would be lying if we said any different.

"But things can change very quickly and I have always said I would not stand in the way of anyone who wishes to leave the club, as long as the terms are in the best interest of Wigan Athletic.

"What Steve has achieved here over the past 18 months has been magnificent. After a period of instability, he put the team in order and started laying the foundations for a prosperous future.

"We finished in our second highest ever league position this season and this is something we will be looking to build upon going forward.

"As for a new manager, we have several options to consider and we will be talking to clubs and candidates over the next seven days. We will not rush the appointment as it is a decision not to be taken lightly.

"We will make a statement when an appointment has been made."