Michael Turner can make great impression

Sep 8 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

“It’s got a great training facility, a great new owner who is backing the manager all the way and some excellent players. Hopefully we can fulfil that potential now.

“It’s a club that’s going to get better and better. You look at where we finished last year (16th) – we have to build on that. Everything is in place off the field, so I think when people talk about potential and improving, they mean on it.”

Campbell is yet to make his first Premier League start for Sunderland since joining from Manchester United in the summer.

However, he impressed as a sub at Stoke in their last game and with Trinidad and Tobago international Kenwyne Jones not expected back from tomorrow’s midweek World Cup qualifier at home to the United States until shortly before Saturday’s visit of Hull, it could yet come against the side he spent a season on loan to in 2007-08.

Even if not, Campbell can be safe in the knowledge that after being largely overlooked by Harry Redknapp last season and sold by Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer, he is highly regarded by Bruce, who tried to sign him on loan when he was manager of Wigan Athletic.

“It’s great,” he commented. “I’m trying to prove myself but it is a confidence boost to know the manager has brought you to the club and spent some money on you. It’s nice to know you’re in his plans.”

Meanwhile, former shareholder Charlie Chawke says he remains an avid Black Cats fan despite admitting in July he was considering bidding for Newcastle United.

The publican was part of the Drumaville Consortium which bought Sunderland from Bob Murray in 2006, but the Irish financial crisis forced them to sell to American billionaire Ellis Short in May.

He insists it has not dimmed his enthusiasm for the Wearsiders.

“When some people heard we were getting out of Sunderland they asked us to set up a consortium to get involved with Newcastle but I think that’s more or less been put to bed now,” he said.

“Sunderland is a very special place to me and I hold the club and the people close to my heart.”