Bruce hits back in Catt fight

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STEVE BRUCE insists he did nothing wrong in his pursuit of Lee Cattermole.

Sunderland boss Bruce raided his former club Wigan to bring England Under-21 star Cattermole to the Stadium of Light FOR £6million.

But Bruce has hit back at suggestions by Latics manager Roberto Martinez that he unsettled the player.

Bruce said: "It was no secret that we'd put in a bid three or four weeks ago and, contrary to reports that we'd unsettled Lee, I was encouraged after speaking to Roberto.

"He didn't dismiss it totally if we could get to the right sort of figure. There was always an element that gave me food for thought that it could be done.

"Roberto wants to add a few players of his own and he obviously used the situation to get some money in for players, which is fair enough and something all managers do.

"I have huge respect for the chairman, Dave Whelan, and everybody at Wigan and the last thing I wanted to do was go back there and disrupt anything.

"Once I got encouragement, I pursued it and didn't let it go. A couple of weeks ago I think Roberto had changed his mind and wanted to keep Lee.

"But then it was ongoing and, in the end, we got to the finish. We're just delighted that we've been able to bring the boy here.

"I try to treat every manager with respect. We know it's difficult these days but, as managers, I always think we should call the manager first.

"I made the call to Roberto six weeks ago and I was encouraged that he might use the money to go and strengthen his team. Once I heard that, I thought, 'Let's see what develops'."