But he says he still has affection for the Midlands club and its supporters.

And he insists any anger he felt has disappeared with the departure of the club's previous owners, porn barons David Sullivan and David Gold, who were replaced by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung.

The Black Cats boss said: "I had two years as a player and six as a manager, so I still have an affinity with the club. And it was sad for me, the way it ended.

"I didn't really believe – after all the problems we'd encountered and successfully got through together over the years – that it was right to bring out all sorts of issues about money or bonuses that were owed.
"I thought it was wrong and it left a bad taste in the mouth. It still does.

"And it spoilt what was a very enjoyable eight years of my life.

"The new regime is in though now and the ironic thing is that my first time back will arrive just as the previous owners have left."

Looking back to 2007, Bruce felt he was put in an impossible position as talks see-sawed between who would ultimately control the club.
"I was left high and dry at the time," he said.

"A possible takeover was on the cards and it became harder to manage.

"It was a very difficult time because I was caught between two boards - one saying they wanted me, one saying they were not so sure.

"But I have to say that when Wigan came in and said they were prepared to pay £3m for me, City snatched their hands off!

"I still have great memories there though, and I'll always have an affinity with City.

"I had a decent relationship with the fans, and I'm glad for their sake that they are back in the Premier League.

"The football club for me is about the supporters more than anything else, and I think they knew I was in a difficult position where I was being undermined, and when a manager is being undermined, he has no choice.

"When Dave Whelan came in, I had to take it. It was a no-brainer given the situation I was in."