Stephen Clemence isn't surprised by Steve Bruce's remarkable success at Wigan Athletic.

Clemence left Tottenham to join Bruce's former club Birmingham. He told the Daily Mail: "It was my first big move at 24 but, as soon as I met him, I knew I wanted to play for him. He's a nice guy but he commands respect as well. You know that he's the boss.

"His record as a player meant he got respect - he'd been there and done it with Manchester United - but you could talk to him. He'd take us for a round of golf or maybe join us for a couple of beers down the pub. Team bonding means a lot.

"I've known managers who wouldn't even say 'hello' if you weren't in the team but his door was always open if I had a problem. You don't get on with somebody all the time but he'd have a chat. He was always approachable.

"There was a great team spirit there when I joined, the best I've known at any club. But he demands a proper work ethic from all his players and, in a working man's city like Birmingham, the fans appreciated that.

"Eric Black would do a lot of the coaching during the week and Brucey would step in nearer the time. He'd set out a plan on match day but he wasn't one for lots of tactics. We'd concentrate on our game. You knew what was required.

"He's not afraid of the tough decisions either. If big players came along and didn't do it for him, he'd get rid of them and move on. But over the years, he's made very good signings without the luxury of having the big clubs' cash."