Bruce seeks educated approach

The General · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 10:56 am

Steve Bruce has admitted Birmingham will have to alter their style of football if the club are to continue to make progress.

The City manager believes that the passionate Blues fans may also have to be educated into accepting a new approach to the way his side play football.

He adopted an aggressive, high tempo approach after gaining promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs three years ago which was epitomised by midfielder Robbie Savage.

"My attitude for the first couple of years was to play a certain way to stay in the Premiership and I make no excuses for that," he said.

"But if we are going to progress, then we've got to try to go forward. We've also got to try to educate the supporters a little too. That is a difficulty."

But Bruce has gradually been putting the accent on bringing in better quality individuals with the likes of David Dunn, Muzzy Izzet, Jesper Gronkjaer - although that move failed to work out - Emile Heskey and Mario Melchiot being persuaded to come to the midlands outfit.

The former Manchester United skipper is also hoping the recent signing of in-demand striker Mikael Forssell from Chelsea for Ł3million will indicate the ambitions he has for Birmingham.

"I remember being at Manchester United where the fans demanded attacking all the time. Sometimes you have to be a little bit patient and our approach to a different style will be evolving, I hope."

"People can see what we are trying to do which is go forward. The next step is difficult in trying to get the good players to come and join you.

"But, like Emile Heskey and Mario Melchiot last year, hopefully Mikael Forssell this year will trigger a few more in showing what we are trying to do."

Bruce has done well to cement Birmingham's place in the Premiership and now he is clearly looking to take the team to the next level.

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Bruce seeks educated approach

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