AFP afpji

Sunderland close to naming Bruce as new manager

Tue 02 Jun, 12:03 PM


--AFP/Andrew Yates

AFP/Andrew Yates
view photo

SUNDERLAND (AFP) - Sunderland were close to announcing Steve Bruce as their new manager on Tuesday following talks between the club and the former Manchester United defender on the terms of his appointment.

Bruce is understood to want to bring key members of his backroom team at Wigan, led by assistant manager Eric Black, to the Stadium of Light.

That could trigger a request for increased compensation from Wigan, who agreed a fee for releasing Bruce from his contract at the Lancashire club on Monday.

Bruce is expected to be given substantial funds to strengthen Sunderland's squad this summer following American businessman Ellis Short's acquisition of a controlling interest in the club.

Sunderland are targetting a top 10 finish next season after avoiding relegation on the final day of the just-finished campaign.

Ricky Sbragia stepped down as manager immediately after the final match, admitting that the club needed a bigger name to galvanise an under-performing squad.

Sbragia has been promised a continuing role at the club, which could complicate negotiations on the make-up of Bruce's coaching staff.

 

Comment 1 - 5 of 5

Sort comments by: Most recent

  1. welcome steve to safc

    From anthonyjohnramsey, on Wed 3 Jun 7:25PM

  2. pgrprimary he has just got a job

    From anthonyjohnramsey, on Wed 3 Jun 7:24PM

  3. Good luck! That's all you can say... Hopefully­ he'll do a good job and stop Sunderland being a­ yo-yo club.

    From Newton81, on Tue 2 Jun 11:11PM

  4. Everyone's an expert. Why can't we leave it to­ those who really do have the interest of SUNDERLAND at­ heart. Do we really think that they just appoint a­ manager on a knee jerk reaction, or have they really­ put some thought into it??? Come on gang lets get­ behind the club and give them every encouragement they­ deserve. The negative comments from the St James Park­ crowd are only to be expected. I am convinced that­ Sunderland will uphold thye name of the North East in­ creditable fashion. A'way the Lads.
    Ron Chisholm,­ Liss Forest, Hampshire

    From r.chisholm42, on Tue 2 Jun 9:35PM

  5. Once again steve bruce is to leave Wigan. I never­ thought that this would be for a Team who have only­ just escaped relegation. It is obvious that Bruce is­ going for the money. Thanks for your hard work Steve,­ but you have once again let the latics fans down, I­ hope you never find yourself needing another job­ because I am sure I speak for thousands of latics fans­ when I say you will not be welcome back at the DW­ Stadium. Bring back JEWELL !!!!!!!!

    From pgrprimary, on Tue 2 Jun 12:37PM
Sort comments by: Most recent

Not already a Yahoo! user ? to get a free Yahoo! Account