Steve Bruce to scour the planet for signings

Sep 25 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

STEVE Bruce has revealed his vision for a revamped global scouting network that will enable Sunderland to cherry pick the best emerging talent from the North East to South America.

With the blessing of Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn, Bruce has shaken up Sunderland’s talent-spotting division since taking over – handing former boss Ricky Sbragia an influential role and signaling his intention to look further afield for potential stars.

Sunderland’s reach has already become global under Bruce, with assistant boss Eric Black helping the club to steal a march on the rest of the Premier League by nicking the best players from France’s Ligue 1.

And Bruce has indicated that he will continue to tap his excellent network of South American contacts for the best on that continent, while also developing even better links closer to home.

He has already met with Wallsend Boys’ Club coach Peter Kirkley after a recent Under-15 game at Sunderland and intends to invite him back to the Stadium of Light in the coming weeks to discuss the best up-and-coming talent in the region.

Any improvements in the scouting network would help boost a Black Cats Academy that is already renowned as one of the best in the country. The current crop of Academy graduates – which includes midweek goalscorer Jordan Henderson and several players bubbling under the first-team picture – is proof that Sunderland are getting it right in youth development.

“We will try anywhere and look anywhere for potential Sunderland players,” Bruce said.

“We have spent a lot of time in South America again and only two weeks ago Eric, my assistant, was out there and Ricky Sbragia was out there as

well so obviously we have got a connection out there that we are not going to lose.

“I know Honduras, I know Ecuador, I know Paraguay and I know their national teams and their squads inside out because obviously I have had a bit of success there. I hope that I can continue to do that.