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The former JJB chairman is delighted to see the addition of Bruce who has been doing a good job at Birmingham under difficult circumstances.
Whelan said: "When Paul Jewell decided he was not going to come back I was a little bit disappointed but Steve Bruce is the guy we wanted. I'm delighted we've got him, I think he's a big loss for Birmingham and a big signing for Wigan Athletic.
"He'll be a fantastic signing for Wigan Athletic. He's one of the best young managers in the land, I'm delighted we've got him and he'll bring enthusiasm, knowledge and spirit to our team.
"We have a good team now, we have some good players. We've had some bad luck with injuries and when Steve comes in he I know he will want a midfield player and maybe a striker - and I will be backing him exactly the same way I did with Paul Jewell.
"I was annoyed when he walked away but I didn't give him a contract and he came for the last six weeks of season. He did a super job and got an offer from Crystal Palace which he wanted to take. I was disappointed to lose him but I'm delighted he's come back to us.
"My message to the fans is 'support your team'. We need every bit of support we can get but we've got a brilliant manager now and together we have to make Wigan what it once was - a fighting team.
"Under Steve Bruce we know Wigan will be a fighting team. What he earns he deserves - he will keep us out of relegation problems and all the fans will be delighted we've got him."
Bruce is expected to be instilled in time to take charge of the Arsenal game this weekend. Talk about difficult starts...
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