David Gold has revealed Steve Bruce would still be in charge if Carson Yeung had bought the club.
Blues chief blames failed takeover for Bruce's departure
Birmingham chairman David Gold has revealed Steve Bruce would still be in charge of the Blues but for Carson Yeung's failed takeover bid.
Bruce prepares to face his former club for the first time since his departure in November as Wigan host Birmingham at the JJB Stadium on Saturday.
Bruce's six-year reign ended after he resigned due to uncertainty over the club's future as Yeung would not approve the new contract Bruce had agreed with Gold and co-owner David Sullivan.
City were in turmoil at that time but Gold admits the "silver lining" came in the appointment of Bruce's successor Alex McLeish.
Gold admitted: "They were dark days for the club when a set of extraordinary circumstances came together at the same time. In the end it was all taken out of our control.
Unfortunate
"But I have no doubt that Steve Bruce would have stayed at Birmingham had it not been for Carson Yeung's failed takeover bid.The way it turned out was unfortunate.
"Once Yeung's interest was made known, the Takeover Panel said that we could not alter any contracts of the existing staff - the most important one of those of course was Steve's.
"In the end it was out of our hands, we couldn't do anything and for a while the club was in limbo. The headlines of turmoil and crisis may have been a little colourful but it wasn't a good time for Birmingham City.
"The black storm clouds came down on us but there was a silver lining. We appointed Alex McLeish very quickly but, while his CV was there for all to see, we needed to know that the chemistry was there.
"Steve won two promotions here, no-one's ever done that under our ownership. I would say that a lot of that was down to the support of the board but they can't do it alone and neither can the manager."
Six-pointer
Birmingham received £3million compensation from Wigan when Bruce moved north to the JJB Stadium.
Gold was quick to praise Latics chief Dave Whelen for the way he handled the transaction and admits he is looking forward to reacquainting on Saturday.
Gold said: "We'll be meeting old friends next week but we mustn't forget that the game is a very important relegation battle. Wigan aren't out of it yet and it will be a real six-pointer.
"But I have a lot of time for Wigan owner Dave Whelan, he behaved impeccably when Steve left. He acted like a proper person and did everything in the right manner.
"We want to win, but at the final whistle, I will wish Wigan well."
