Lippi snubs Blues

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Blues co-owner David Sullivan confirmed Blues had spoken with Lippi who enjoyed great success at club level with Juventus before leading Italy to football's ultimate prize in 2006.

Sullivan told the Birmingham Mail: "We made an approach and Lippi turned it down. This is not a stunt. It's genuine. He is available at the moment and we are looking at bringing in a manager of his stature and calibre, if at all possible."

He added: "He was one of the first we went to but unfortunately nothing materialised. Of course, you get knock-backs. That's football.

"But if you do not try you will never know. It was the same with Martin Jol. It made sense for us to approach him.

"We are juggling other balls in the air at the moment and we will see which ones land. I want to stress to our supporters that we are working very, very hard to bring in the right man.

"Until you get to meet them and speak to them, you can never be quite sure. But it won't be for a lack of trying, believe me.

"We are determined to find a manager who would create a bit of a stir and excite people."

Sullivan is determined to bring in a new manager within the next 10 days with Bruce's number two Eric Black acting as caretaker for Saturday's game with Portsmouth. And he also admitted the Black "had a chance" of becoming Bruce's successor.

Sullivan said: "We will resolve the issue of a new manager within 10 days. Eric Black has taken temporary charge and that might only be for one game."