Wigan owner Dave Whelan admits boss Steve Bruce will earn a bigger job but still hopes "the day never comes".
Bruce has already enjoyed stints with Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Crystal Palace and Birmingham since retiring as a player, as well as an eight-game spell as temporary boss at the JJB in 2001.
But Whelan is resigned to losing the services of the former Manchester United star and admits he would not be able to stand in his way.
He said: "I don't want to lose Steve, but in the end I suppose I will have to. He is so good, one of the big clubs will come for him. He has been linked with Newcastle in the past. He is from here. He loves Newcastle.
"I may have to face the fact that sometime Steve will leave Wigan. I hope the day never comes, but if it does I will shake his hand and say thank you for the great job you have done."
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