I'm afraid it doesnt follow that a large (UK only)­ fan base leads to success, just look to Newcastle,­ Leeds, Sheffield clubs etc. As a Wigan fan, I­ recognise that Steve Bruce does need a stepping stone­ to further his career but I'm not sure this is the­ right move. I've no gripe at all with the Black­ Cats, but I think it unlikely that Sunderland can be­ turned into a regular European qualifying club which is­ what his CV requires if he is to go for a top job. ­ Dont forget there will be a resurgent Spurs and Man­ City competing at the top end next season which will­ squeeze out the smaller and medium sized clubs,­ including Sunderland.

The problem for Steve Bruce is­ that the "right moves" include Everton, Man­ City and Aston Villa where there are unlikely to be­ vacancies in the short term, other than Man City­ perhaps where Hughes would inevitably replaced by an­ overseas manager.

Hope he stays and continues his good­ work at Wigan before moving to a stronger stepping­ stone.

How is it a sidestep? Sunderland have spent millions­ but wasted it, Wigan have to sell their best players­ (Palacios, Valencia) to stay financially sound and are­ a mid table club at best. Sunderland have the fan base­ and potential to be a top six side, Wigan don't.

What is it with Steve Bruce eh... he's never shown­ any loyalty to any club.

Sidestepping is a pretty­ accurate summary.

Over-rated as a manager too...­ can't see him making any great shakes a Sunderland.

Y would you do this steve? its a sidestep at best wait­ for one of the big clubs cos it will come knocking­ soon!