Quinn hoping for tougher mentality

Jun 4 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

He will get backing in the transfer market, but the emphasis is on spending wisely and attracting the proper characters to the club after the folly and excess of last summer’s recruitment drive under Roy Keane.

“We didn’t have the experience Steve has had and the contacts he has around the world,” said Quinn. “We have been paying big prices for players. Now I think we could get into a healthier situation. Maybe we will get a bit smarter now because of the financial backing we have. I’m more determined to be smarter than I have been. Every football agent is rubbing his hands with the deals that are being talked about in football at the moment.

“But we will have to be more intelligent and hopefully we will spend our money wisely. I have great faith that Steve will attract the right players.”

Meanwhile, the appointment has left Wigan chairman Dave Whelan “devastated”. But despite his disappointment, he paid fulsome tribute to the job done by Bruce and influential assistant Eric Black.

“Everyone associated with Wigan is devastated that Steve and Eric have gone, we would be lying if we said any different,” he said. “What Steve has achieved here over the past 18 months has been magnificent.”