November 1 2001

Simon Jordan said Steve Bruce will be staying at Crystal Palace despite mounting speculation that he will become the new Birmingham City boss.

Bruce has been reported to have told his team that he has quit the club after losing to West Brom at Selhurst Park last night.

But Jordan said: "Nothing has changed. Steve was the manager yesterday and still is today." He was backed up by a Palace spokesman who this afternoon said: "Steve Bruce is still the manager."

Birmingham chairman David Gold has confirmed they have approached Palace to talk to Bruce, but had their offer turned down.

Gold said: "We've made an official approach to Crystal Palace to speak to Steve Bruce.

"Sadly Palace have turned us down and that is the way the situation sits at the moment. We will just have to await developments."

Birmingham may now decide to talk to Bruce behind Palace's back and Bruce's refusal to officially turn down the job will continue the specualtion and irritate Palace fans.