Whelan aims to bounce back from Bruce blow

03 June 2009 16:12
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan feels "devastated" by the departure of manager Steve Bruce to Sunderland but insists the club will move on quickly.[LNB]Bruce was finally confirmed as Black Cats boss on Wednesday afternoon when the Wearsiders agreed a suitable compensation package with the Latics following two days of negotiations.[LNB]He will be joined at the Stadium of Light by assistant Eric Black, goalkeeping coach Nigel Spink and reserve team boss Keith Bertschin.[LNB]"Everyone associated with Wigan is devastated that Steve and Eric have gone, we would be lying if we said any different," said Whelan.[LNB]"But things can change very quickly and I have always said I would not stand in anyone's way who wishes to leave the club, as long as the terms are in the best interest of Wigan.[LNB]"What Steve has achieved here over the past 18 months has been magnificent. After a period of instability, he put the team in order and started laying the foundations for a prosperous future. We finished in our second-highest ever league position this season and this is something we will be looking to build upon going forward."

Source: Eurosport