Wigan match is a must win for Sunderland

Feb 6 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Steve Bruce has branded today’s match with Wigan a ‘must-win’. Mark Douglas hears a defiant Sunderland manager convinced he’ll get it right

AS a published author with three ripping murder mystery yarns to his name, Steve Bruce will probably appreciate the latest twist in Sunderland’s gripping season.

Bruce’s cult classic Striker! trilogy depicted a world of espionage, death and deceit lurking beneath the surface of fictional Leddersfield Town but it is the case of a jilted ex that needs to be solved to ensure his Black Cats’ story doesn’t come to an abrupt and unsatisfactory conclusion.

Wigan Athletic, Bruce’s former charges, have the potential to provide obstinate opponents as Sunderland attempt to pull back from an impending crisis this afternoon.

The Sunderland boss should know all about the danger they pose – he signed most of their players and despite what owner Dave Whelan would have you believe, they are more than handy on their day. That Sunderland are slugging it out with the Latics in a relegation six-pointer is a cause of consternation on Wearside, where better days were anticipated this season.

Bruce must have believed it when he left the glass ceiling of Wigan to join Sunderland, a club that he sincerely believed could establish itself in the upper echelons of the top flight.

According to those close to him, he has found it harder than he perhaps anticipated.

He took counsel from Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy before accepting the job but the demands of the post have left him surprised at times.

He has admitted to feeling physically ill when the Football Association ridiculously slapped an extra match ban on Michael Turner for having the temerity to complain about a marginal sending off at Manchester City.