Blues determined to keep Bruce

David Gold insists Birmingham “will do everything” to hold on to manager Steve Bruce, who 18 months ago rejected the chance to become manager of Newcastle.

Bruce is again a possible candidate after Graeme Souness lost his job, alongside early favourites Sam Allardyce and Martin O’Neill.

It took a lot of soul-searching for Geordie Bruce, who used to watch Newcastle from the Gallowgate End as a youngster, to reject the chance in August 2004.

A new five-year deal at St Andrews followed that decision and chairman Gold is determined to retain Bruce’s services.

“It is all speculation but you can’t avoid that happening. But we always have and always will do everything to keep Steve Bruce at Birmingham City,” said Gold.

“You could never say: ‘Not under any circumstances’, but we are supporting Steve and we are sure he will support the football club which he has always done in the past.

“I was hoping to hear that Sven-Goran Eriksson or somebody else had gone to Newcastle because then that would put an end to the speculation.

“I’m sorry to hear that Graeme Souness has lost his job but I hope this will put an end to any speculation regarding Steve.”

Bruce has always enjoyed a strong relationship with Gold, co-owner David Sullivan and the board of directors at Birmingham.

When the Newcastle job came up 18 months ago, Birmingham had just enjoyed a top-10 finish in the Premiership.

They are currently battling to avoid the drop after a succession of long-term injuries to key players.