Sullivan demands that Wigan stop this 'rape and pillage' of Birmingham

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The Midlands club are so incensed they have written to the Premier League about Wigan's conduct. Co-owner David Sullivan has complained to his opposite number at Wigan, Dave Whelan, after another member of the staff left St Andrew's to join Bruce, with the Premier League club being accused of 'rape and pillage'.

Hitting out: Sullivan

When Bruce left to take over as manager at Wigan last November, Birmingham received £3million compensation. His No 2, Eric Black, was allowed to join him and freelance goalkeeping coach Nigel Spink also left to take up a role at the JJB Stadium.

The latest to follow the trail up the M6 is Will Royall, who is moving to Wigan's academy.

Sullivan's co-owner, David Gold, speaking on behalf of the board, said: 'The Premier League states you are not allowed to poach other people's staff. What do we want? Compensation. It's not sour grapes.

'All of these people had to be replaced and most have cost us. While people are saying we got £3m for Steve Bruce that does not allow Wigan to rape and pillage us for the next 20 years.'

A Wigan source said: 'Along with the management staff, we have signed Wilson Palacios, Daniel de Ridder and Olivier Kapo. They didn't take up the option on Palacios, gave de Ridder a free transfer and received their money back on Kapo. So we cannot understand what all this fuss is about.'