Birmingham boss Bruce devastated to see Upson leave

Bruce said: “I’m devastated and hurt. I want the supporters to know I did everything in my power to keep Matthew at the club. But, sadly, this was out of my control. After all, I am an employee too.

“I have spoken time and again about my feelings on the subject and the messages it sends out to everyone – the dressing-room, the fans and our rivals. But this was a board decision, not mine.”