David Sullivan in new Steve Bruce outburst

Apr 8 2008 By Colin Tattum

THE war of words between Steve Bruce and Birmingham City continued today with David Sullivan having another chip at the ex-St Andrew's manager.

Angered by comments that the board were effectively motivated by greed, the co-owner revealed details about the image rights payment that temporarily held up Bruce's appointment as Wigan Athletic manager.

"The fact is Steve moved because he got an amazing financial offer from Wigan," said Sullivan. "We could have blocked the move and had an unhappy manager on our hands. We chose to let him go. He went with our blessing.

"Very few clubs would have done that. It has turned out to be a great move for Steve and Wigan. I'm happy for them.

"But I cannot get my head around why he sees fit to continually attack us.

"The bottom line is we paid him a £400,000 image rights payment in advance. That was part of his contract. The agreement is quite clear. If he left within the year it was to be repaid pro-rata.

"He left after three months. We wanted £300,000 back. Is that greedy? We ended up settling for £100,000, paid over three years and swallowing a £200,000 liability.

"Now he turns on the board, and me in particular. He thinks letting him off with the £200,000 that he owed the club is greed."

Sullivan claimed Bruce would receive a £1.5 million bonus if Wigan stay up, rising to £2 million next season.

He said he would be 'really happy' if Bruce cashed in to that tune, but added: "I'm sad and disappointed by how Steve feels towards us."