Prospective Birmingham City owner Carson Yeung insists he was shocked by Steve Bruce's departure to Wigan Athletic.

He said: "I never expected Steve Bruce to leave. We had a very good conference three weeks ago and I would have let him stay as manager.

"But unfortunately he has left. This is a shock as I never expected it."

Blues co-owner David Sullivan says he consulted Yeung about recruiting a new boss out of "politeness".

Sullivan said: "His people said if we made Yeung a director then he would have a view.

"But we said no. We don't really need their help and someone has to make the decisions."