Bruce: ready to give it a go

Steve Bruce has revealed he is going into his new job as Wigan boss 'energised and ready'. The match with Man City on Saturday will be his first game in charge following his acrimonious departure from Birmingham.

He said: "When you have been at a club for six years like I was at Birmingham it becomes ingrained in you.

"Familiarity does breed contempt - you take things for granted - and it was the right time to move.

"That might seem totally selfish but I do need another challenge.

"I have always loved to test myself. I was never really blessed with really good ability as a player but I always worked extremely hard."

The Bruce mantra has already been passed on to the Wigan players.

He said: "I have told them I would never demand something of them that I would not do myself.

"I can forgive a mistake, I can forgive a bad pass but what I will not forgive is anyone playing without a lack of heart.

"We have got to try and get the confidence back among the players.

"I believe I can turn it around. There are about eight teams that are struggling and my aim is make sure we retain our status."