SAFC to confirm Steve Bruce as manager within 48 hours

Jun 2 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Now the club must agree personal terms with Bruce and meet his list of conditions, which include a sizeable transfer war chest to re-mould a squad that under-achieved badly last season. With Ellis Short now prepared to bankroll the club and put up in excess of £20m for transfers, that should be a formality. Sunderland want to officially present Bruce as new boss towards the end of the week as they look to launch a new era in the club’s history.

Sunderland supporters can expect a new-look squad as Bruce makes key additions in all areas of the pitch with his wish-list including Tottenham striker Darren Bent, who almost joined the Black Cats in January.

And The Journal understands that Wigan are braced for a raid on their squad, with long-term Sunderland target Paul Scharner certain to figure highly on Bruce’s wish list. Former Newcastle defender Titus Bramble, who has been successfully rehabilitated under Bruce at the JJB Stadium, may bolster Sunderland’s defence.

There will inevitably be outgoings, with Bruce understanding that one of his tasks will be to shift players from a bloated squad.

Roy O’Donovan has been linked with a move to Hartlepool United.

None of those moves will be made until after Bruce is officially unveiled as the club’s new manager.

Sunderland had other names on their managerial wish list but none were pursued once it was established that Bruce was interested in the opportunity of making the club an established top-flight outfit.

Roberto Mancini’s name was circulated on Sunday but that was never particularly realistic, and the former Inter Milan boss has now emerged as the favourite to take over at Portsmouth.

Similarly, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has an interest in talking to Sunderland but his international commitments mean that he could not consider starting negotiations until the middle of the month.

In addition, he does not have enough experience at club level.