Birmingham City are threatening legal action against Wigan Athletic over the 'poaching' of their coaching staff.

Former Blues boss Steve Bruce left St Andrews last November to take the reins at the Latics, and subsequently took many of his backroom staff with him.

Assistant manager Eric Black joined him at JJB Stadium, as did goalkeeping coach Nigel Spink.

Academy coach Will Royall is the latest to arrive in the north West, and Blues co-owner David Sullivan is growing increasingly frustrated.

Sullivan said: "The Premier League states you are not allowed to poach other people's staff. What do we want? Compensation. It's not sour grapes.

"All of these people had to be replaced and most have cost us. While people are saying we got £3million (compensation) for Steve Bruce that does not allow Wigan to rape and pillage us for the next 20 years."