Bruce pens five year deal

Last updated : 15 August 2003 By Brian Cartlidge

Bruce, who still had three years to run on his present contract at St. Andrew's, has signed an improved deal that had been on offer since the end of last season and is in recognition of the success he has brought to the club since taking on the managers role 21 months ago.

"I've enjoyed working here and now I want to take the club further on. I hope it's just the start," Bruce told the Evening Mail.

"Our aim now has got to be to compete in the next group of teams which is those competing in Europe. I think there are four or five teams that can win the Premier League and then there's a few teams underneath that.

"We've got to join that next group where we can compete for the European places. If we can achieve that within the next five years I'll be delighted."