Birmingham chief Gold defends club's transfer spending after Bruce outburst

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The club chairman says he is equally as unhappy as Sullivan in the wake of an exclusive interview with the Wigan boss in Sportsmail last week that accused the Blues' board of having little ambition.

Hitting back: Gold was incensed by Bruce's comments

Bruce said that unless the owners of the St Andrew's club are prepared to put their hands in their own pockets, that the supporters can expect little else than to be scrapping it out at the foot of the Premier League table. Or worse.

However, Gold has hit back at Bruce, claiming that every deal the former boss suggested was considered by the owners.

He said: "I believe that if we can survive - and I am optimistic - then we will come back stronger and more resolute next season.

"We paid £5 million for James McFadden in the last window, we had a bid of £5 million for Gary Cahill accepted.

"So I really don't think that Steve can claim his chairman is more supportive or ambitious than us.

"It stands to reason that you can't always go the extra mile as a club because if you do it season on season, you will end up bust.

"I am as angry, upset and as disappointed as David Sullivan, my brother Ralph and Karren Brady about what we have been hearing and reading from Steve.

"Throughout the six years he was here, I don't think there wasn't a single player we didn't back him on. If he wanted someone we pursued him. That didn't always mean a deal could be agreed, or the player would come. But we never said an outright 'No'."

Meanwhile, City defender Martin Taylor does not believe he will be targeted by referees despite the row over his challenge with Eduardo, which left the Arsenal striker with a broken leg.

He said: "I've been a professional for 10 years. You get to know referees and they get to know you.