Bruce is due to take charge of Sheffield Wednesday on February 1.
Sheffield Wednesday’s upcoming trip to Chelsea is unlikely to alter Steve Bruce’s plan to start work in February, according to the new Owls manager’s assistant, Steve Agnew.
Agnew has taken interim charge of Wednesday until Bruce arrives on the first of next month.
The former Middlesbrough coach led his new side into the FA Cup fourth round earlier this week, where they are due to face Chelsea in nine days’ time.
And, discussing Bruce’s early impressions of Sheffield Wednesday, Agnew told the club’s official Facebook page: “The conversations I’ve had with Steve have all been positive really.
“Obviously, the Hull performance [a 3-0 defeat for the Owls] wasn’t what anybody wanted but I spoke to Steve after the Luton game and he was pleased to see we got through to the next round of the FA Cup, against Chelsea.”
Asked if that could tempt Bruce into an early start, a smiling Agnew replied: “No, I don’t think so! We are where we are with Steve.”
It is understood that a promise made to his wife – who cared for Bruce’s late parents while he was Aston Villa manager – is behind the 58-year-old’s delayed arrival.
A knee operation and the England cricket team’s upcoming tour of the West Indies were previous touted as possible explanations.
Sheffield Wednesday’s trip to Chelsea is scheduled for 18:00 [BST] next Sunday, and will be broadcast live on BBC One.
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