Michael Turner: We have to quickly improve

Dec 3 2009 by Nick Purewal, The Journal

MICHAEL Turner believes Sunderland must shape talented individuals into a powerful team unit to avoid being shipped out by unsatisfied manager Steve Bruce.

Frustrated Black Cats boss Bruce has warned his inconsistent Stadium of Light stars to start winning on the road as well as at home or face being replaced in the January transfer window.

Forced to act after another away-day disappointment at Wigan on Saturday, Bruce has told his players only quickfire improvements will stave off an overhaul.

Centre-back Turner only has nine Sunderland appearances to his name after his £4m Hull switch, but he admitted every player is fully aware of the manager’s impatience – and his readiness to shake things up after Christmas.

Hugo Rodallega’s solitary strike ensured Bruce endured a torrid return to his former club, consigning Sunderland to their fifth away league defeat of the campaign.

Bruce’s men travel to Fulham on Sunday and while the Cottagers boast a similar home-form bias to the visitors Turner knows now is the time for the Black Cats to end their travel sickness.

“Beating some of the top teams and then losing to some of the lesser teams is something we’ve got to put right if we want to progress in the direction we feel we can go,” said the 26-year-old.

“We need to learn from it quickly, it’s happened on so many occasions that the manager’s not tolerating it any more and that’s understandable.

“Understandably he’s frustrated and so are all of the players to be honest.

“We want to be consistent, we want to go on a run of form that can see us progress and we’re fully capable of doing that.