Steve Bruce isn’t complacent
Mar 13 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
STEVE Bruce insists he will never take the support of the Sunderland board for granted as he again emphasised Ellis Short is taking a long-term view of his Black Cats project.
Bruce (pictured right) was given an extraordinary vote of confidence by Niall Quinn on Thursday night, with the Sunderland chairman insisting that even defeat in every remaining game and relegation would not see a change of manager.
An upbeat Black Cats boss said he had known that was the case all along and said both Quinn and Short recognised it would take time to turn Sunderland into genuine Premier League contenders.
But he said that with Short’s “incredible” ambition he is sure Sunderland will be able to make the most of the once in a generation opportunity that his backing creates for them.
Bruce – who says he will not countenance relegation this season – will hope to build on Tuesday’s hugely encouraging 4-0 win against Bolton when big-spending Manchester City visit Wearside tomorrow.
And he will lead his side out in much better shape after what has been a good week for the Black Cats and Bruce.
“What was said is nice but I will never take anything for granted,” he said.
“I have been trying to say for weeks that the only pressure I was feeling was the pressure I put myself under.
“There was no summit meeting (on Wednesday). The support I have had from the board has been first class.
“The meeting was mainly about what the owner has done for the football club and what he wants to do.
“It is incredible what he wants to do here. If you are a Sunderland fan it is terrific.
“One of the reasons I came here was because of that – the owner and his ambitions. And we all know the chairman. I get no flannel from them – it is what it is.
