Jol turns down Bruce's Blues job

Updated 09.00 Tue Nov 20 2007

Keywords: Martin Jol, Steve Bruce, Wigan Athletic, Birmingham City, Premier League, sport, football

Martin Jol has turned down the chance to succeed Steve Bruce as manager of Birmingham City.

Co-owner David Sullivan has revealed that the Dutchman is unwilling to take another job so soon after leaving Tottenham Hotspur.

"We are looking at candidates of a certain level. It is a difficult one to try and get someone in who the dressing room will respect" - David Sullivan

Reports claim that both Harry Redknapp and Paul Jewell have also rejected the chance to manage the Blues after Bruce quit the St Andrew's hotseat to return to Wigan Athletic.

Birmingham, who are 15th in the Premier League table ahead of the visit of Portsmouth, are keen to make an appointment as soon as possible.

And Sullivan has been quoted as saying: "We are looking at candidates of a certain level. It is a difficult one to try and get someone in who the dressing room will respect.

"Do you take a chance on an unproven coach at this level with a group of young players who need guidance and inspiration? Or do you go for a more experienced voice, someone respected in the world of football?"

He continued: "For example we did speak to Martin Jol over the weekend. Martin thanked us for our interest but said it was too early for him to consider coming back into football such a short time after leaving Spurs.

"That is the type of coach we are looking at; someone with a pedigree that will excite the supporters."