October 28 2001

Crystal Palace

Steve Bruce has insisted that he wants to stay at Selhurst Park dismissing reports linking him with a move to former club Birmingham City.

Bruce has been constantly linked with a move to St Andrews since Birmingham parted company with Trevor Francis, but he said he is happy at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles manager spent two years as a player at St Andrews after leaving Manchester United in 1996.

Bruce said: "All the specualtion surrounding Birmingham has been off-putting," Bruce told the Independent on Sunday.

"I could have done without it as it has detracted from the players and what they've achieved.

"I'm extremely happy here. I want to manage in the Premiership and I'd love to take Crystal Palace there. End of story," he said.