Whelan: Black joining Wigan

Dave Whelan has confirmed that Steve Bruce's assistant manager at Birmingham will also be joining Wigan shortly. Eric Black will arrive at the club shortly alongside Steve Bruce.

Whelan said to The Telegraph: "When Paul Jewell decided he was not going to come back I was a little bit disappointed but Steve Bruce is the guy we wanted.

"I'm delighted we've got him, I think he's a big loss for Birmingham and a big signing for Wigan Athletic.”

The Latics are in the relegation zone and their slump had cost Chris Hutchings, who had taken over after Jewell resigned at the end of last season, his job. But Whelan is confident the former Manchester United defender will be able to transform the fortune of the Greater Manchester club.

"Under Steve Bruce we know Wigan will be a fighting team. He will keep us out of relegation problems and all the fans will be delighted we've got him," continued Whelan adding that there is an uncertainty over the future ownership at St Andrews.

He added: "I understand Birmingham have got a short-term problem in that there is uncertainty in terms of who is going to own the club - if people want to buy the club they should get on and do it.

"But we would like Eric Black to come as our assistant manager, I am confident we will get him but I understand he has got to stay there for a week or a fortnight. But he will be coming to us."