After days of negotiations, Steve Bruce has today officially been confirmed as the new Sunderland boss.
The 48 year old, self-confessed Newcastle fan, has signed a three-year contract with the Black Cats. Previously manager of Wigan (twice), Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Crystal Palace and Birmingham, Bruce has done the rounds as far as management goes. He did a good job at his most recent club, Wigan, leaving them in a healthy position, having finished 11th in the Prmeier League.
Bruce will be joined at the Stadium of Light by his backroom staff of Eric Black, Nigel Spink and former Sunderland striker Keith Bertschin.
Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan is devastated to see Bruce leave the JJB – though it is expected Wigan will have negotiated a hefty compensation deal - but thanked the former United defender for his contribution to the club, saying what Bruce achieved in his 18 months in charge of the Lactics was ’magnificent’.
I’m guessing a few Sunderland fans will question Bruce’s Newcastle links, but I think the majority will look forward to seeing what he can achieve up in the North East. With money to spend, Bruce will be looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead. Sunderland are flying the flag alone now for the North East (just…) and Bruce will be expected to produce better than what has been seen in the previous two seasons. I think he’ll do well…..but time will tell. Or should that be results will tell.
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