Birmingham City’s record signing speaks out on Steve Bruce and Dwight Gayle spat

Birmingham City’s record signing speaks out on Steve Bruce and Dwight Gayle spat

David Dunn has leapt to the defence of his former Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce, as his war of words with Dwight Gayle rumbles on.

Ex-Newcastle striker Gayle made waves when speaking on the Open Goal podcast, criticising Bruce’s alleged lack of tactics when the pair worked together at St James’ Park.

Gayle cited a game against Man City and claimed: “Me and Matt Ritchie were asking for tactical improvements for weeks, months. We came in at half-time and we were two or three down, and he was like, ‘Boys, you keep asking for tactics. I don’t do tactics; just put your boots on and work hard’.”

That sparked a furious retort from Bruce who hit back at Gayle saying: “I’ve been around the block a long long time. I’ve only managed 1,050 games but according to Dwight I don’t know what I’m doing. I’ll let other people make their minds up who are a bit more established than Dwight ever was.”

And Dunn, who was signed by Bruce for Birmingham City, has backed his former boss, telling BBC Radio Lancashire: “As an ex-player under him, I thought he was brilliant.

“He was actually too good with me. Getting results on a football pitch isn’t always about tactics, coaches coach. Steve is a fantastic man-manager. He has time for everyone. I had a really good chat with him the other week when I did the radio.

“He’s older now and more experienced, he’s been there and done it.

“The big thing for me, I’ve got to say, Steve Bruce doesn’t need to be working in football for financial reasons; what he does do, he loves football, and he wants to get Blackpool promoted out of this league. The hunger is still there.

“He’s a fantastic guy. I’ve got loads of time for him, and I wish him well.”

Bruce signed Dunn for Blues in 2003 for a then club record £5.5m and while the midfielder spent three-and-a-half seasons at St Andrew’s, injury restricted him to only 69 appearances.

He returned to Blackburn Rovers and had a couple of stints in management with Barrow and Oldham Athletic.

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