December 12 2001

Steve Bruce

Former Palace manager Steve Bruce has officially been named as the new Birmingham City boss.

He has signed a five-year contract and will be taking the Eagles' reserve manager Mark Bowen and John Benson, who he worked with at Wigan.

A compensation package has been agreed between the two clubs.

Birmingham joint owner David Sullivan said: "We are delighted to have installed Steve Bruce as our new manager.

"I have been very low while our ongoing search for a new manager has progressed but it has now been well worth the wait.

"I am excited at the prospect of the remainder of what I hope will be a very successful season."