Birmingham City chairman David Gold has defended his board as they prepare to lose manager Steve Bruce to Wigan Athletic.

Blues are stepping up their bid to try to keep hold of Bruce's assistant Eric Black while they look for a replacement for the former Manchester United captain.

But it could be a long drawn-out process as prospective new owner Carson Yeung has to approve any potential candidates - and there is increasing doubt that he will be unable to raise the necessary funds to take full control of City.

Gold would only say: "It is a confusing situation and these are difficult times. We are doing our best to resolve all of these issues."

Academy director Terry Westley is expected to be in charge of team affairs for Saturday's home clash with Portsmouth if Black leaves Birmingham.

But a source close to the club told PA Sport: "What manager in his right mind is going to want to come to Birmingham as things currently stand?

"He might join on Monday and then be sacked next month if Carson Yeung somehow manages to raise the funds needed to buy Birmingham.

"It is a nightmare situation for the club, who only six months ago were euphoric after gaining promotion back to the Premier League. Now it all looks to be falling apart."