Bruce: I Never Actually Wanted Nobby


By Matthew Jones
January 31 2004

Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce has insisted that he was never actually in the race for Nolberto Solano, prior to the Peruvian's move to local rivals Aston Villa, despite being linked with a bid for the South American. Jimmy Walker

BIRMINGHAM AND NOBBY - MORE

Villa managed to sign Nobby for just £1.5 million after Sir Bobby Robson deemed the 29-year-old surplus to requirements.

But Birmingham were rumoured to be chasing Solano as part of a £5 million raid on St James' Park which would also involve full back Andy Griffin.

Bruce however, explained: "I don't know where the speculation regarding Solano came from. I will categorically deny that we made a bid for the player.

"He plays in the right-sided midfield position and my best player in the first half of the season has been Damien Johnson, who plays on the right.

"Solano never came in to the equation for us. We know we are linked with all sorts of people and it is upsetting at times.

"I have had to go and say to Damien Johnson 'it is a load of rubbish about Solano and I hope you take my word about it because I have been delighted with the way you have played this season'.

"Thankfully, he accepted it."

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