Phil Bardsley will wait and see on Sunderland future

Mar 31 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

OUT-OF-FAVOUR full-back Phil Bardsley admits he is considering his Sunderland future.

Bardsley returned to the side on Sunday in the absence of injured Alan Hutton and will continue at right-back for the visit of the Scot’s parent club Tottenham.

But Hutton, who Sunderland want to sign in the summer, looks to be Steve Bruce’s first choice in that position – leaving Bardsley uncertain about his future.

The 24-year-old is a well-liked and reliable member of the Sunderland squad but is desperate for regular first-team football.

Bardsley has another year on his contract and Bruce would like him to stay, but with a clutch of clubs interested in the former Manchester United man, Sunderland may have no other option but to let him depart.

The Black Cats defender was linked with Fulham in the January transfer window, while Wolves would be interested in the right-back if he became available.

Bardsley will put those thoughts to the back of his mind this weekend as he looks to remind Bruce of his ability.

“It was nice to be back involved again – every footballer wants to play football. If you’re playing, you’re happy and it’s the same for me,” he said. “Phil Bardsley doesn’t get down because Alan Hutton comes in and plays – Phil Bardsley will look after himself and keep himself in the best shape he can.

“If it’s to be at Sunderland or somewhere else, you just never know. All I want to do is play football and we’ll just have to wait and see.

“Obviously, if you’re not part of the manager’s plans you have to

look elsewhere and move on as every player does. I’m just looking forward to the remainder of the season and we’ll take it there.

“If it was up to me, I’d like to stay. I enjoy it up here but I’m not the manager and, as every player will tell you, if you’re not playing you’re not happy. We’ll wait and see.

“I’ve got a good relationship with the manager. I’ve still got a year left on my contract. Hopefully I’ll stay but we’ll see.” Bardsley had the misfortune of his comeback coinciding with Sunderland running into an in-form Liverpool, with superb performances from star men Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

The defender admits it was a tough return, but says that the players have already moved on from the Anfield defeat.

“It wasn’t the easiest game to come back in though – when Torres and Gerrard play like they did it’s difficult to get a result,” he said. “I was disappointed but you just hold your hand up when the opposition is playing that well.

“It was a disappointing game but we just take our medicine and move on.”

Bardsley has been one of the stalwarts of turbulent recent years and admits the last two seasons have been an “experience”.

Likening his time at Sunderland to a “rollercoaster”, Bardsley admits it would be strange if they settled their fate long before the end of campaign. After Wigan were rolled over by Manchester City on Monday one more win should see them safe.

“It’s been a rollercoaster over the last couple of years but it’s been enjoyable,” Bardsley said.

“Last year staying up on the final game of the season, this year beating Arsenal and Liverpool.

“It’s what we’re in the sport for.

“It’s never dull here – even the weather!”