Ipswich Town have snapped up Republic of Ireland under-21 international defender Alex Bruce from Coca-Cola Championship rivals Birmingham City.
Bruce, the son of Brum manager Steve, will sign a three-year deal at Portman Road after completing a medical at the East Anglia club today (Thursday).
The 21-year-old, who declared for Ireland earlier this year, made 12 first-team appearances for Birmingham in the second half of last season, but Bruce Snr admitted the move was in the best interests of both parties.
He told Birmingham’s official website: “We’ve reluctantly agreed to let Alex go because I think it’s the best deal for all parties and for the future of Alex’s career.”
04/08/2006, 7:19 AM
Stuttgart88
Ah well, there goes the all Irish back 5 possibility (Colin Doyle, Kelly, Bruce, Andy O'Brien as was rumoured and Painter)!
Incidentally, BBC says that Preston may bid £1m for Andy O'Brien.
On Bruce, I think he's as likely to establish himself at Ipswich as he is at Birmingham so it's no big deal. Again, it appears that clusters of Irish (or Irish qualified) players are emerging in the Championship. That's at least 5 possible first team regulars at Ipswich: Lee, Supple, Garvan, Clarke & Bruce. There was a rumour about Paul McShane joining Ipswich recently and maybe Michael Sinnott will get games this season.
04/08/2006, 8:02 AM
drinkfeckarse
I still have a bad taste in my mouth over him, I remember him declaring for us not so long ago using words along the lines of it was a good career move and we had more to offer etc...
Sorry aint got time to search for a link for actual qoutes.
04/08/2006, 8:25 AM
Stuttgart88
I think he said he qualified for both Norn Iron and us, but that we were better. Anyway, he's in the ranks now & that's what counts.
04/08/2006, 8:35 AM
OwlsFan
Wouldn't waste your breath on him boys. Saw him a lot when he played for Wednesday. NOT international standard - not even Wednesday standard :D
