Bruce dismantles part of Hull’s backroom staff

STEVE BRUCE’S revolution at Hull City is under way following a cull of the backroom staff at the KC Stadium and the possible departure of Kevin Kilbane to Barnsley.

The 51-year-old was appointed last Friday but has wasted little time in stamping his mark on the club by informing first-team coaches Steve Wigley and Stuart Watkiss their services are no longer required.

Also heading out of Hull is fitness co-ordinator Sean Rush, but goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh – a former team-mate of Bruce at Manchester United – is expected to stay on.

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Replacements are believed to have been lined up with reports in the North East suggesting Sunderland reserve team coach Keith Bertschin and former Birmingham midfielder Stephen Clemence have been approached by the new Tigers manager.

Bruce’s long-time assistant Eric Black is already employed by Blackburn Rovers and not expected to be part of the remodelled set-up.

Possibly joining Wigley, Watkiss and Rush in heading out of the KC is midfielder Kilbane, who is believed to be mulling over an offer from Barnsley to join Keith Hill’s management team as player-coach.

The 35-year-old, in Poland this month covering the European Championships for the media, is believed to be joined on the Reds’ radar by Sheffield United midfielder Lee Williamson, who is out of contract at Bramall Lane.

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Meanwhile, possible Hull transfer target Emile Heskey is attracting interest from Leicester City.

The 34-year-old is a free agent after being released by Aston Villa and is highly rated by Bruce following spells under the new Tigers manager at both Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic.

Heskey has previously indicated a willingness to drop down to the Championship.

Meanwhile, former Tigers striker Jon Parkin has joined Fleetwood Town.

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The 30-year-old, released by Cardiff City last month after spells on loan at Huddersfield Town and Doncaster Rovers, is understood to have turned down offers from League One duo Scunthorpe United and Coventry City to sign for the Football League newcomers.

Chelsea have appointed Roberto Di Matteo as their full-time coach on a two-year contract.