Black warns Birmingham over Bruce contract

Birmingham number two Eric Black has warned other clubs will target unsettled manager Steve Bruce unless his long-term future is sorted out.

Black said: "Everyone is feeling slightly unsure about what is happening. I can understand how Steve is feeling and I can understand he might be slightly disappointed and unsure about what the future holds.

"I don't think it's great going long-term in that situation. You need stability in a club, need to know what is available to spend, what direction the club is going to take.

"All those things are fundamental to the success or failure of a football club so obviously the sooner everything is resolved, the better.

"Steve is a strong character and will continue to do the things that are right for the club regardless of what is happening.

"He has said he wants to see it through here and that speaks volumes for the man you are dealing with.

"But there are a lot of clubs out there that would look at Steve's track manager and would want him as manager. There are few managers that have the track record and experience at the highest level that Steve has."