Bruce savours Latics free rein

Steve Bruce claims he is "a dying breed" because of the envious glances he attracts as boss of Premier League Wigan Athletic.Bruce finds himself in a rare position at the JJB Stadium as he answers only to one man in chairman Dave Whelan, who allows the 47-year-old to get on with the job of running the team.

Bruce knows at many other clubs a manager's role can be restricted to the training pitch, with decisions made over that person's head by a raft of 'upstairs' personnel.

The recent departures of Kevin Keegan from Newcastle and Alan Curbishley from West Ham would appear to underline the point.

"I know some managers envy me, absolutely envy me because of what I have here," said Bruce, who took charge of Wigan 10 months ago.

"Of course, the chairman has high demands because he wants his club to do well, but he lets you manage and pick the players.

"When I told him we were going to Egypt for (Amr) Zaki, he just wanted to know about the player, and then he let me get on and do my job.

"In that way, I'm very, very grateful, and it sounds as if I'm a dying breed, which is pretty sad to be perfectly honest.

"In Europe, it's worked for years where the manager is really the coach, and they have people above them.

"But there has to be a boss, there has to be somebody who makes the ultimate decision.

"If that doesn't happen and there are two, three, four or five opinions, then you are in trouble.

"So, the chairman lets me manage, and when I need to sign a player I ask him for the money, and it's either a yes or a no.

"Since I've been here, it's always been a yes.

"I hope that continues and we unearth a few more diamonds like Zaki, and that will keep the chairman very happy."

The Egypt international has made a stunning start to life in the Barclays Premier League, scoring four goals in as many games, and seven in seven since pre-season.

However, with Zaki only on loan for the season from Egyptian side Zamalek, it is only a matter of time before he starts to attract interest from elsewhere within the Premier League and abroad.

Aware Zaki could prove a hit, Bruce ensured the deal could be made permanent.

"There's a deal in place, which we're fortunate to have, that if he meets certain criteria then he is ours, which is very reassuring," added Bruce.

"The deal is ours if we want it. It's written in our way, but it's when we eventually sign him, that's the problem."

Bruce has been unsurprised at how Zaki has hit the ground running given his positive attitude, noticeable from their first meeting.

"When I saw him three months ago he said. 'No problem coach, I will come and score goals'," revealed Bruce.

"That's who he is. He is determined to do well and enjoy it, and he has had a wonderful start.

"When you can come and blitz the Premier League like he has done, scoring five in five games, with four in the league, than you are excited.

"We all need a centre-forward to fire in some goals, and at the moment he and (Emile) Heskey look like a fantastic partnership.

"Touch wood, I hope it stays that way."

 

Source - Yahoo! Sport / Eurosport