Struggling Sunderland sack Bruce November 30, 2011 Email Print By ESPNsoccernet staff Sunderland have confirmed that they have parted company with manager Steve Bruce after an inauspicious start to the Premier League season. GettyImagesBruce: Took over at Sunderland in 2009 The Wearsiders spent heavily in the summer to completely overhaul their squad, with the likes of Craig Gardner, Connor Wickham, Wes Brown and John O'Shea arriving at the Stadium of Light. They also signed Niklas Bendtner on loan from Arsenal. But Bruce struggled to get the new players to gel, with his side only recording two wins from their opening 13 games. Bruce's position always looked in jeopardy once Niall Quinn resigned as chairman last month. Quinn was Bruce's main ally in the Stadium of Light boardroom, while incoming chairman and owner Ellis Short was believed to be unconvinced by the former Wigan boss. And with Sunderland currently foundering in 16th place, just two points above the relegation zone, Short decided it was time to act, bringing to an end Bruce's two-year tenure in the north east even though Bruce led them to tenth in the table last term. "This has been a difficult time for everyone at Sunderland and is not a situation that any of us envisaged or expected to be in," Short told the club's official website. "It is my job as chairman to act in the best interests of our football club at all times and I can assure everyone that this is not a decision that I have taken lightly. Sadly results this season have simply not been good enough and I feel the time is right to make a change. "Steve has acted with honesty and integrity throughout, which is testament to the character and commitment he has shown during his time at Sunderland. "I would like to personally place on record my thanks to him for his significant contribution to our football club over the past two and a half years and everyone here at Sunderland naturally wishes him the very best for the future. "I would also like to thank our fans, who have endured a trying start to the season. Their support continues to be the driving force behind our club and is vital as we now look to the future." Early reports suggest that Martin O'Neill and Mark Hughes are the favourites to replace Bruce, with Steve McClaren and Rafa Benitez also suggested as potential candidates.
Bittersweet for me, obviously he wasn't performing and had to go, but he was the only manager I've known (started following Sunderland two seasons ago), and he seemed like a genuine good guy. Interested to see who we bring in and hopefully we can turn the season around.