“I am extremely disappointed and saddened to see Steve go, despite my personal efforts to persuade him to stay. However, due to the divisions within Sheffield United, it was not possible” – explained chief executive Carlo Colombotti in May 1999.

“We have come to a mutual agreement that it is in the best interests of both Huddersfield and Steve that we part ways amicably” – stated chief executive Barry Rubery in October 2000.

“He informed me that he had been contemplating the move for over a week and felt it was an offer he couldn’t turn down. We didn’t even get the chance to present him with a contract renewal offer at Wigan” – revealed chief executive Dave Whelan in May 2001.

“The latest development is that Steve Bruce has tendered his resignation from his position at Crystal Palace Football Club. However, I have refused to accept his resignation as he is still bound by his contractual obligations, which includes a substantial notice period” – said chief executive Simon Jordan in November 2001.

“Steve Bruce has been released from his contract and has stepped down as the manager of Birmingham City Football Club with immediate effect. The club has received a compensation of three million pounds in cash” – announced a club statement in November 2007.

“I have always maintained that I will not stand in the way of anyone who wishes to leave the club, as long as the terms are beneficial for Wigan” – reiterated Dave Whelan in June 2009.