SOCCER:STEVE BRUCE'S achievement in transforming Sunderland from relegation battlers to Europa League contenders has earned him a contract extension running until the summer of 2014.
A bad run of results a year ago had raised questions about the former Manchester United captain’s future on Wearside but Bruce is now being talked about as a potential successor to Fabio Capello as England coach.
The 50-year-old has certainly shaken things up since arriving from Wigan 18 months ago. Thirteen players have arrived on permanent deals and 15 have been moved out as Bruce determined to create a much younger, far higher-tempo team.
“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract,” he said. “It’s a magnificent club from top to bottom, with wonderful support. Everything is in place here for a manager. We have the makings of a fantastic young team. It’s been a great challenge so far and one that my backroom team and I have relished. We’re looking forward to continuing it over the next few years.”
Niall Quinn, Sunderland’s chairman, was similarly delighted. “It was hugely important to bring stability to this football club and I firmly believe that in Steve we have the man to do just that,” he said. “In only 18 months he has reshaped our squad beyond recognition, bringing in some fantastically talented players. He embodies the ethos of teamwork and the importance of camaraderie in creating a wonderful spirit of togetherness amongst the players and staff.
John W Henry has given further validation of Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool reign by praising the “total team effort” that has transformed the club’s season in under two months.
Liverpool’s owners, the Fenway Sports Group, are due to announce a permanent replacement for Roy Hodgson at the end of the season but may revise that time frame in light of the impact made by Dalglish.
Liverpool have risen from five points off bottom place to sixth in the Premier League since the Scot took temporary charge and head to West Ham tomorrow on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run. The club’s principal owner, posting on his Facebook page, said: “Over the last seven matches, I believe, only one goal (and that may have been offside) has been conceded. Terrific effort on defense with increasing aggressiveness.”
Dalglish’s immediate concern is West Ham where Luis Suarez, who is ineligible for the Europa League, will be recalled. Liverpool will give late fitness tests to Steven Gerrard, Martin Kelly, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson.
