Nice guy Bruce can keep Wigan afloat
STEVE'S SO SHIP SHAPE
IF League placings were determined by the integrity of their manager, Wigan would be Champions League contenders this season.
In an era where managerial spin has reached epidemic levels, Steve Bruce shines as one of the remaining few who never sees a game through the rose-tinted spectacles handed out on UEFA coaching courses.
Bruce is rapidly dispelling the myth that ‘nice’ blokes can’t make successful managers.
After his shabby treatment by Birmingham last season, he accepted the challenge of captaining a Wigan ship which wasn’t just sinking, but virtually sharing a sea bed with the Titanic.
Somehow he kept the club afloat. After successive flirtations with relegation, owner Dave Whelan will settle for a year of consolidation.
Raided
Bruce’s new signings should ensure the nightmare start to last season, which cost his predecessor Chris Hutchings his job, won’t be repeated.
Middlesbrough’s Lee Cattermole, Egyptian striker Amr Zaki and Honduros defender Maynor Figueroa add to the cosmopolitan squad while Bruce raided his former offices at St Andrews to snatch Daniel de Ridder and Olivier Kapo.
KEY TRANSFERS
IN: Olivier Kapo (Birmingham) £3.5m; Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough, right) £3.5m; Daniel de Ridder (Birmingham) free; Amr Zaki (Zamalek) loan.
OUT: Andreas Granqvist (Groningen) undisc; Andy Webster (Rangers) free; Julius Aghahowa (Kayserispor) free; Josip Skoko (released); Salomon Olembe (released).
OUR PREDICTION: 15th
What do you think? Add your comment below.
Comments