Enjoyment the key behind new deal for Bruce

The 54-year-old expects to sign his new contract, which includes a 12-month rolling element in the final year, either over the weekend or on Monday.

Before taking on bottom club Leicester City tomorrow in a potentially pivotal relegation encounter, Bruce said: “I am delighted because I’ve enjoyed the last two-and-a-half years.

“This season has been difficult at times, no question but, overall, I have enjoyed it and that is the most important thing.

“For me, it is all about trying to establish the club, setting up the academy and improving the scouting network.

“When you commit yourself to a new deal you have to make sure you have the energy about it because the Premier League is demanding.”

Bruce took charge at the KC in July, 2012, and has led the club to both promotion and an FA Cup final.

He added: “In the Premier League, you are analysed for every team you pick and it is a bit of a trial every week.

“But it is still what I do and what I enjoy. That is the big question. Do you still enjoy it? And that I do.”

On Leicester, Bruce added: “It is a huge game coming up. No matter whether you play Leicester or one of the top teams, it’s so difficult. You know who’s going to be in the bottom eight.

“If we can get to the magical 30 with nine games to play, psychologically it’s huge.

“If we can beat Leicecter, it will be very difficult for them to catch us, so that’s the big incentive for us.”