Steve Bruce excited about the future

Jun 18 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

STEVE Bruce admits he faces a “baptism of fire” when Chelsea travel to Wearside for his first home match as Sunderland boss.

But Bruce has reiterated his prediction that exciting times lie ahead for the Black Cats. The publication of the Premier League fixtures yesterday handed Sunderland a programme that sees them face only one of the top flight’s ‘big four’ throughout August and September.

Unfortunately for Bruce that is the visit of Carlo Ancelotti’s Blues in the second game of the season, a match that he acknowledges will be a tough one for his remodelled Black Cats.

But elsewhere there are opportunities for Sunderland to make progress up the Premier League in the early parts of the season before they face a double header against Manchester United and Liverpool at the start of October. They start at Bolton before the Chelsea game, then play Blackburn, Stoke, Hull and Wolves in a string of eminently winnable matches.

In particular, Bruce will have noted a string of home games that will give Sunderland the

chance to re-establish the Stadium of Light as a difficult place for opposing teams to play.

The new Black Cats boss will have recognised from last season’s tetchy encounter against his old club Wigan that he needs to win over the crowd if he is to harness the excitement rebounding around the club.

The publication of the fixtures has prompted fresh anticipation ahead of the start of the season for Bruce, who is back behind his desk and working on what promises to be an extensive recruitment programme.

“I can’t wait to get started with Sunderland next season and the publication of the fixture list really brings home how close the start of the season is,” the Corbridge-born manager said.