Former Manchester United defender Steve Bruce has been named as the new coach of Sunderland, leaving the post at Premier League rivals Wigan Athletic vacant.
The 48-year-old, who hails from nearby Corbridge, has signed a three-year contract with the side that finished 16th in the 20-team English top division, having previously coached Sheffield United FC, Huddersfield Town FC, Crystal Palace FC and Birmingham City FC.
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said:
“Steve knows more than anyone what football means to people of this region, and I’m confident that he will be able to instil into our players exactly what it means to play for this football club.”
Bruce has previously admitted to having been a boyhood supporter of Sunderland’s north-east rivals Newcastle United FC.
Bruce has taken his whole backroom team of Eric Black, Nigel Spink and Keith Bertschin with him to Sunderland.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan made this statement at the news of Bruce leaving:
“Everyone associated with Wigan Athletic is devastated that Steve and Eric have gone, we would be lying if we said any different,” said Whelan, “but things can change very quickly and I have always said I would not stand in anyone’s way who wishes to leave the club, as long as the terms are in the best interest of Wigan Athletic. What Steve has achieved here over the past 18 months has been magnificent. After a period of instability, he put the team in order and started laying the foundations for a prosperous future. We finished in our second highest ever league position this season and this is something we will be looking to build upon going forward. As for a new manager, we have several options to consider and we will be talking to clubs and candidates over the next seven days. We will not rush the appointment as it is a decision not to be taken lightly. We will make a statement when an appointment has been made.”
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