Wigan Athletic Football Club

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25000

Bruce slams Citizens conduct

28 Jan 2009 - 09:24:56

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Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has blasted Manchester City for unsettling midfielder Wilson Palacios, who eventually joined Spurs in a deal worth in excess of £10million.

Bruce feels that the Citizens used their supposed interest in Honduras schemer Palacios as a bargaining chip in their efforts to sign striker Craig Bellamy from West Ham.

City are accused of showing an interest in Palacios to encourage Spurs to withdraw from the race for Bellamy, with the Latics eventually having to allow their player to move on.

Bruce fumed: "They used the boy as a weapon and used our club as a vehicle to get Bellamy.

"I have to say Manchester City's behaviour was absolutely disgusting. If they had not come in a week last Friday and unsettled the boy, he would have signed a contract for us.

"He was wobbling and wasn't sure about going to London. We had offered him a contract and he was on the verge of signing that contract.

"Then Manchester City ring him and it's a different ball game. They have shown a lack of respect for this football club and the player himself."