Black follows Bruce out of Blues

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It is understood Black ended his association with Blues earlier on Tuesday after a brief spell in charge as caretaker boss. The club confirmed Black's departure on their official website, www.blues.co.uk.

The statement read: "Birmingham City Football Club can confirm that Erick Black has been released by the club to join Wigan Athletic. Black will link up with former Blues boss Steve Bruce at the Latics."

He added: "He had been at St Andrews since July 2004 and leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club."

The way now appears clear for Birmingham to step up their plans to bring in Scotland manager Alex McLeish as Bruce's replacement.

Black was understood last week to be a strong contender to become Bruce's successor when the former Blues boss left for Wigan earlier this month, and he was in charge for Saturday's home game with Portsmouth.

But a meeting with the Birmingham board after the 2-0 defeat left Black with no assurances over his future and now he has decided to call time on his two-and-a-half-year reign at St Andrews.

Black has built up a close bond with Bruce after becoming his number two in succession to Mark Bowen, who has since joined Blackburn.