Kenwyne hoping to impress new boss
Jul 23 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
The 25-year-old (pictured right) has been linked with a number of English clubs this summer, but claims the Black Cats are in pole position – even though they are not the big club many expected him to join this summer.
He said: “The most advanced contact is with Sunderland. If for some people it isn’t a very big club, it is suitable for me. I know it can be a step up and that is my wish.
“I am ready to wait until August 31, because nothing is certain with Arsenal, contrary to Sunderland. I can also play in the Trophee des Champions [with Bordeaux in Montreal, Canada at the weekend] to please everyone.
“But Bordeaux want a quick answer, which I cannot give them at this time.
“I'm very well in Bordeaux, but I've expressed my wish to go to England to join the Premier League and discover new challenges. Bordeaux made me a more interesting [contract] offer, at the same [wage] level as in England. As we say sometimes, though, I just want to leave.”
Another player who is likely to get his first opportunity under Bruce is goalkeeper Marton Fulop. The Hungarian is expected to start the season as first choice with Craig Gordon still troubled by the knee injury which wrecked last season.
Fulop has been able to take part in three full training sessions and should be in goal against Benfica at the Amsterdam Arena in Sunderland’s opening game of the tournament. Meanwhile, Sunderland have confirmed Ricky Sbragia has been appointed as chief scout following his stint as manager last season.
Sbraiga had been promised a position at the club by chairman Niall Quinn after the Black Cats clung on to their top-flight status as a result of Newcastle’s final-day defeat at Aston Villa.
And Bruce has been happy to utilise his expertise as a scout as part of a new-look backroom set up.
He said: “Ricky has a wealth of knowledge and experience and I’m delighted that he will be heading up our scouting operation.
“He has a vast network of contacts and he knows just what it takes to be a successful footballer at this club, so I’m sure he will be a fantastic asset to our backroom team.”
